A screenwriting student talks during a discussion in class for the GPCW summer residency.
Graduate Program in Creative Writing

Free Masterclasses

Cost-free, accessible writing classes.

Western’s Graduate Program in Creative Writing invites writers of all levels to join our Masterclass Series, an ongoing collection of virtual workshops, discussions, and readings led by distinguished authors and faculty. Explore the art of storytelling, connect with fellow creatives, and expand your craft right from your home. You do not have to be a Western student to participate.

A GPCW student takes notes at a craft talk during the 2025 summer residency.

What You'll Gain

Each masterclass offers more than just a lesson; it is a chance to grow as a writer, connect with a creative community, and gain real-world perspective on the literary landscape. Whether you are refining your craft, seeking mentorship, or exploring new professional paths, these sessions are designed to inspire and equip you for every stage of your writing journey.

A student sits on the steps of Taylor Hall and takes notes during a lecture.

Craft

Work closely with accomplished authors and faculty mentors who share practical insights into storytelling, structure, and style. Each session offers tools and techniques to help you elevate your writing and refine your unique voice.

Poetry students smile while listening during a discussion in class for the GPCW summer residency.

Community

Join a welcoming network of writers who share your passion and curiosity. These live, online sessions create space for conversation, collaboration, and connection that extends well beyond the workshop.

Student editors present the books they reworked and help publish at the Book Publishing Event during the GPCW summer residency

Career

Gain a deeper understanding of the literary world, from publishing and editing to professional opportunities in writing and academia. Learn how to navigate the field with confidence and purpose.

Current Course Offerings

Explore our lineup of upcoming free masterclasses and find the sessions that spark your interest. Each class is hosted live on Zoom and led by a distinguished writer or faculty member from Western’s Graduate Program in Creative Writing. Click the registration link to reserve your spot and join the conversation.

Masterclass Instructor Date Registration Link
The Changemaker's Practice: Turning Your "Why" into Your Work CMarie Fuhrman, GPCW Associate Director December 1 Register
I Need You Now!: The Eco-Urgency of Science-Storytelling Partnerships Brooke Zanetell, Clark School Faculty, & Joe Fassler, Genre Fiction Faculty January 12 Register
Fact vs. Truth in True Story Screenwriting James Napoli, GPCW Screenwriting Director January 26 Register
The Land Beneath Your Feet: All Writing is Place-Based Writing Karen Auvinen, Nature Writing Faculty February 2 Register
The Many Streams of Income Available to Genre Fiction Writers and Publishers Johanna Parkhurst, Allyson Longueira, Kevin Anderson: GPCW Publishing & Genre Fiction Directors February 9 Register
From the Page to the Stage: How to share your words with other people and actually enjoy it! Andrew Sellon, GPCW Performance Coach February 23 Register
Braids & Blends: Fusing Forms in Your Writing Erica Reid, Poetry Faculty March 9 Register
Keep Those Pages Turning: Top Tips for Increasing Tension in Your Story Laura Resau, Genre Fiction Faculty March 30 Register
The Proetic Linescape: From Prose to the Poetic Line Byron Aspaas, Poetry Faculty April 6 Register

See the GPCW in the news.

Books laid out in display on a table.

Earn a graduate degree in creative writing.

A free masterclass offers just a glimpse of the depth and community you’ll find in Western’s Graduate Program in Creative Writing. Our low-residency MA and MFA degrees invite you to immerse yourself fully in the craft, working closely with faculty and fellow writers to develop your voice, refine your skills, and build a lasting literary career.