Western Massachusetts, most of which is nestled in the Connecticut River Valley, is not only known for its natural beauty but also for its rich literary culture.
This fertile creative landscape inspired the name for this site, Valley of Writers, as the region is home to numerous writing programs that foster talent and creativity across various genres.
Whether you’re looking to improve your fiction, poetry, essays, or memoir writing, the Connecticut River Valley has no shortage of opportunities.
Below, you’ll find, in no particular order (we love them all) some of the best programs, ranging from half-day workshops to year-long coaching to help you nurture your craft, and one of the finest MFA programs in the USA.
1. Pioneer Valley Writers’ Workshop (PVWW)
Focus: Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Year-Long Manuscript Mentorship Program
Details: Pioneer Valley Writers’ Workshop offers a standout Year-Long Manuscript Mentorship Program, which is ideal for serious writers working on book-length projects. This program pairs you with an experienced mentor who will guide you through completing and refining your manuscript over the course of a year.
PVWW also offers multi-week courses, one-day intensives, and manuscript critiques. Since its founding in 2016 by Joy Baglio, PVWW has become a cornerstone for local writers seeking professional guidance in a supportive environment.
Visit Website: www.pioneervalleywriters.org
2. Writers in Progress (WIP)
Focus: Year-Long Writers Block Program, Memoir, Fiction, Creative Nonfiction
Details: For writers looking for an intensive commitment, Writers in Progress offers a Year-Long Writers Block Program, designed to guide you from the seed of an idea to the completion of a full manuscript.
Led by Dori Ostermiller, a memoirist and novelist with the help of fellow writer, Emily Lackey, the program includes a mixture of craft instruction, critique sessions, and writing retreats. WIP, based in Florence, has been running for over 20 years, making it one of the longest-standing and most respected writing programs in the Valley.
The workshop provides a rich environment for novelists, memoirists, and creative nonfiction writers to complete and polish their work.
Visit Website: www.writersinprogress.com
3. Amherst Writers & Artists
Focus: Fiction, Poetry, Essays, Memoir
Details: Amherst Writers & Artists (AWA), founded in the 1980s by Pat Schneider, offers workshops that are based on their famous AWA Method, which encourages writers of all levels to explore their creativity and voice in a non-judgmental environment.
These workshops emphasize the importance of each writer’s voice and work through freewriting and creative prompts.
With decades of success, AWA remains a go-to resource for writers looking to explore both short and long-form creative writing.
Visit Website: amherstwriters.org
4. Straw Dog Writers Guild
Focus: Fiction, Poetry, Nonfiction, Playwriting
Details: The Straw Dog Writers Guild, established in 2010, serves the broader community of writers across Western Mass.
They offer workshops across a variety of genres, including poetry, short stories, plays, and creative nonfiction.
Their critique groups and regular networking events make it a great place for writers to connect and receive valuable feedback.
Visit Website: www.strawdogwriters.org
5. Michael Favala Goldman Poetry Critique Workshops
Focus: Poetry Critique
Details: Led by accomplished poet and translator Michael Favala Goldman, these workshops offer poets detailed, hands-on critique in an intimate setting.
If you’re a poet looking for serious feedback on your work, these workshops are a fantastic opportunity to develop your poetry with the guidance of a seasoned expert.
Goldman has 12 published collections of poetry and has extensive experience in Danish translation.
He has earned significant recognition for his translations of Danish literature, particularly the “Copenhagen Trilogy” by Tove Ditlevsen. His translation of the third book, “Dependency,” was highly acclaimed, making the New York Times’ Top 10 Books of 2021. This translation brought Ditlevsen’s poignant memoir to a wider audience, cementing Goldman’s status as one of the premier translators of Danish literary works.
He has also been a judge for the PEN America Literary Awards.
Goldman’s wide exposure to literature adds a unique dimension to these workshops.
Visit Website: www.nohoarts.org/writers-workshops/
6. UMass Amherst MFA for Poets & Writers
Focus: Poetry, Fiction
Details: Founded in the early 1970s, the UMass Amherst MFA for Poets & Writers is one of the top-ranked MFA programs in the country.
With a selective admissions process, the program accepts only a small number of fiction writers and poets each year, fostering a close-knit community of students who receive personalized mentorship from faculty. UMass Amherst’s MFA faculty includes award-winning writers and poets who have earned prestigious honors such as Pulitzer Prizes and Guggenheim Fellowships.
The program’s alumni have achieved great success in publishing and the literary world, with names like Ocean Vuong and April Bernard among its graduates.
The MFA program emphasizes both fiction and poetry, using a workshop-based approach that encourages students to deeply engage with each other’s work and improve through constructive feedback. The curriculum combines creative workshops with courses in literary theory and history, helping students to refine their writing skills while also developing a strong understanding of the literary tradition.
By the end of the program, students complete a major creative thesis, such as a novel, short story collection, or poetry manuscript.
Visit Website: www.umass.edu/english/mfa-poets-writers
