The Writers' Workshop of Asheville has been serving writers in the Southeast and beyond since 1985.
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Advisory Board
Past and Present Members: Lucy Daniels E. L. Doctorow John Ehle Helen Henslee John le Carre Peter Matthiessen Alex Haley Reynolds Price Kurt Vonnegut Eudora Welty |
PLEASE NOTE: Most classes meet online.
As a 501(c)-3 non-profit, our mission is to provide top-notch workshops, readings, retreats and contests for the benefit of the community at large. The Writers’ Workshop was established to promote writers and writing through a diverse program of literary events. As the only non-profit literary center in Western North Carolina, we work to serve readers and writers of all backgrounds. Since our inception, over 21,000 adults, teens and children have participated in our workshops, seminars, readings, contests and retreats. The Writers’ Workshop has played a vital role in sponsoring and promoting local and regional events that showcase the literary arts. We offer classes and contests for beginning and experienced writers. Our programs include classes in fiction, memoirs, poetry, non-fiction, playwriting, journal writing, children’s books, screenwriting, and more. Our Distinguished Author Series has featured readings, lectures, discussions, and book signings by prestigious authors such as: Peter Matthiessen, E.L. Doctorow, Eudora Welty, Reynolds Price, John Le Carre, Kurt Vonnegut, Gail Godwin, Peter Taylor, Bobbie Ann Mason, Don De Lillo, Nikki Giovanni, Simon Ortiz, Alex Haley, Lee Smith, Pat Conroy, Sue Monk Kidd, Robert Creeley, Josephine Humphreys, Mark Mathabane, Yevgeny Yevtushenko, Allan Gurganus, Gail Godwin, William Kinsella, Joseph Bathanti, Clyde Edgerton, Robert Morgan, John Ehle, Kathryn Stripling Byer ... and many more. We sponsor annual contests in poetry, fiction, creative non-fiction and memoirs. We also offer manuscript critiquing and editing services, retreats and seminars, and have initiated numerous writers and poets support groups. The Writers' Workshop can always use volunteers! If you're looking to do some good for the community, earn community service points for your college application, discover your inner writer, learn valuable business and office skills, or just burn some extra hours in a friendly, productive environment, contact us! |
Karen Ackerson, Executive Director
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Karen Ackerson has a long and distinguished career as writer, teacher, and editor. She founded The Writers’ Workshop in 1985, and became Senior Editor of the Renbourne Literary Agency in 1994.
As Executive Director of The Writers’ Workshop, Ackerson has been responsible for bringing to Asheville writers such as Kurt Vonnegut, Reynolds Price, Eudora Welty, E.L. Doctorow, Alex Haley, Peter Matthiessen, and John le Carre, among many others. She has overseen the implementation of numerous reading and writing programs for children and adults, at-risk youth, contests and retreats, and readings and autograph sessions with renowned authors. As founder and Senior Editor of the Renbourne Literary Agency, Ackerson has edited numerous novels, short stories, and articles. She also teaches workshops in Memoirs, Fiction, Editing, and Grant Writing. Karen Ackerson can be reached at The Writers’ Workshop by phone at 828-707-1713, or by email at [email protected]. |
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