Amherst Writers & Artists (AWA)

The Amherst Writers & Artists method was developed by poet Pat Schneider to create what she calls “a place where the teaching of craft can be done without damage to a writer's original voice or self-esteem.” Now, creativity and writing teachers as diverse as Peter Elbow and Julia Cameron praise this inclusive, energizing approach.

Guided by Central Florida's first and most experienced AWA-certified writing workshop leader, ten to twelve creative writers—at all levels of experience—meet weekly to write and give attention to one another's work. At each meeting, a timed writing exercise is offered, to which each writer responds as s/he chooses. Then, using a “one-room schoolhouse” model, workshop members, acting as peers, share their work and support and affirm one another's strengths and styles.

Creative Writing for Everyone

In AWA workshops, experienced writers are encouraged to grow, to take risks that lead them into new territory. Newer writers discover surprising levels of confidence as they produce vivid poems and stories from the stuff of their own lives and imaginations.

"Writers Say . . ."

Jamie Morris is a master of the Amherst Writers method. Her innovative prompts and positive critique techniques jump start my writing engine every time!
—Nancy Wayman Deutsch, author of Between the Lines

Because of Jamie, I have unearthed things in my writing that I didn't even know I was capable of. My writing is so much fresher and more "organic" than it was before I joined my Woodstream group.
—Melissa Abrehamsen, YA fantasy novelist