For more than 30 years, the Hurston/Wright Foundation has been a home for emerging Black writers. We honor the diversity within our rich community of writers and facilitate culturally-competent writing intensives that are meaningful and impactful.
This year, our workshops are virtual, unless expressly stated, as we recognize the ongoing global health pandemic and the concerns that members of our community have regarding engaging in in-person activities for long periods of time.
Our virtual workshops beckon you to embark on a transformative journey from the comfort of your own home as we dive into the depths of storytelling. Led by industry experts and seasoned authors, our virtual workshops offer an immersive experience tailored to writers of all levels.
Whether you’re passionate about poetry, eager to craft compelling fiction, or longing to share your personal narrative through memoir, our summer workshop has something for everyone. Engage in dynamic discussions, receive personalized feedback, and unlock the secrets to mastering your craft.
Connect with fellow writers from around the world in a supportive and inclusive environment, fostering meaningful connections and lifelong friendships. Let the power of community fuel your creativity as you embark on this literary adventure together.
2024 Virtual Writers Weekend
2024 Virtual Writers Weekend Workshops
June 14-16, 2024
Hurston/Wright’s Virtual Writers Weekend is a fast-paced intensive workshop period that focuses on one element of craft facilitated by an award-winning professional writer in the genre they are teaching. Participants are welcomed virtually by Hurston/Wright on Friday evening at 6pm EST where they meet their instructor and workshop participants. Workshop sessions begin on Saturday at 9 am EST to Sunday at 4pm EST. The workshop weekend includes one-on-one time with the instructor.
This year’s award-winning instructors are:
- Fiction Instructor: JJ Amaworo Wilson
- Non-Fiction Instructor: Jessica Kehinde Ngo
- Poetry Instructor: Taylor Johnson
- Research Methods for Writers: Lucy Anne Hurston
Deadline and Fees:
- Deadline: May 3rd
- Application fee: $35
- Tuition: $450
- Apply early. Hurston/Wright uses rolling admissions for a maximum of 10 slots per class. All applicants will be notified by or before May 17th.
- A nonrefundable deposit of $150 is due within 1 week of notification of acceptance into the workshop. The remaining balance is due by June 7th.
- Cancellation Policy: If you must cancel after paying the full tuition, $100 will be returned to you if you notify the foundation at least 1 week before the program starts. After that date, the full tuition is forfeited. In addition, Hurston/Wright reserves the right to close the submission period or cancel a session based on the number of applications. Applicants will be notified immediately if the course is canceled, and any payments will be returned.
- Workshops start at 9 am-3pm EST. A detailed schedule will be provided upon acceptance.
Virtual Writers Week Workshops
2024 Virtual Writers Week Workshops
July 8-12, 2024
Hurston/Wright’s Writers Week Workshop Retreats have been in operation for more than 20 years. This year, our workshops are virtual, unless expressly stated, as we recognize the ongoing global health pandemic and the concerns that members of our community have regarding engaging in in-person activities for long periods of time.
Our virtual Writers Week Workshop Retreats were first offered during COVID-19 quarantine and continued to accommodate writers who can’t travel to participate in-person or prefer to participate via Zoom.
This summer our award-winning instructors are:
- Poetry Instructor: simóne j banks
- Fiction Instructor: Alaya Johnson
- Non-fiction Instructor: Zelda Lockhart
Our virtual competitive Writers Week workshops offer selected participants:
10+ hours of writing seminars and discussions
One-on-one time with an award-winning instructor
Constructive, guided feedback on writing from peers and workshop leader
Access to virtual and in-person panel presentations from publishing industry insiders and veteran authors