At Sackett Street, we believe that learning how to read with “a writer’s perspective” is an essential part of a writer’s development. In workshop, through the close reading of both classmates’ writing and published work, writers analyze the successes (and non-successes) of the writers’ choices concerning structure, character and language.
Because the focus of the critique is on how these choices contribute to the psychological, emotional and intellectual experience of the reader, and because the instructors encourage specific and constructive critique, there is less of the vagueness (this is good, this is bad) that makes so many writing workshops unbearable and unhelpful for the writers participating.
After just a few weeks of reading with a writer’s perspective, writers leave Sackett Street (or return, as many writers do) with a developed awareness of craft, and a new confidence in their ability to read, analyze and revise their own work. Once this ability to read with a “writer’s perspective” is developed, the writer’s potential for growth is limitless.
Sackett Street is a true find in the world of writing workshops. The instructors have it all: faith in their students' abilities, clarity in explaining even the subtleties of writing technique, a sense of humor, and an incredible dedication to their workshops - every student receives individualized attention and nurturing. I have learned more in eight weeks of workshop than I even knew there was to learn.
- J. Delamatre, currently attending NYU’s MFA Program
While I participated in many workshops before stumbling upon Sackett Street, I can honestly say that the program's Fiction III Workshop trumped them all. This was MFA-level workshopping - the kind of nuts-and-bolts criticism that everyone should be exposed to at least once if they're interested in pushing their work forward. I couldn't recommend the program more.
– J. Martin, currently attending Johns Hopkins’ MFA Program
Some people say that creative writing cannot be taught, but in just eight weeks, I became a better reader, and thus, a better writer.
- J. Price, currently attending the Iowa Writers' Workshop MFA Program
After several unsatisfying classes at New York’s colleges and universities, I was thrilled to find Sackett Street and its focus on making students into better writers by keeping class sizes small, recommending relevant reading, expertly guiding class discussions, and giving extensive feedback and individual attention. Sackett Street has shown me what writing workshops should be.
- N. Haroutunian, currently attending the Sarah Lawrence MFA Program
Sackett Street workshops are a writer's dream--critical in a way that is also supportive, analytical beyond mere deconstruction. The instructors have an enthusiasm for the art of writing that is infectious. I merely loved to write when I came here. Now it is my passion.
- T. Lisenbee, professional musician