Graduate Program in Creative Writing

The heart of Western’s Graduate Program in Creative Writing is our leadership. Our directors are more than administrators; they are award-winning authors, practicing poets, and scholars who bring a deep understanding of craft and history into the classroom. They are dedicated to providing the live, interactive mentorship that defines our community.

Program Leadership

• Tyson Hausdoerffer (Program Director): A Western alumnus (BA ’92), Tyson brings a profound perspective to the GPCW, shaped by his work translating ancient epics like Homer’s Iliad. His scholarly and creative focus on reaching across time to uncover persistent human truths ensures that our program remains a rigorous and supportive home for writers of all backgrounds.
• CMarie Fuhrman (Associate Program Director): An acclaimed writer and teacher, CMarie works across the program to foster a culture of excellence and equity. She is dedicated to helping students use their passion as a force for positive change, ensuring that every voice in our community is heard and valued.

Concentration Directors

• Laura Pritchett (Nature Writing): A prolific, award-winning author of both fiction and nonfiction, Laura focuses on writing as an agent of change, helping students bridge the gap between deep environmental observation and impactful storytelling.
• Johanna Parkhurst (Genre Fiction): An accomplished novelist with a deep understanding of narrative craft, Johanna leads the Genre Fiction concentration, focusing on the architecture of imagination and preparing students to engage professionally with the modern publishing market.
• Elizabeth Bradfield (Poetry): An award-winning poet and naturalist, Elizabeth leads our students through the compressed potential of sound and form, helping each writer find a unique aesthetic that joins a global conversation.
• Kevin J. Anderson & Allyson Longueira (Publishing): With decades of experience in both traditional and independent publishing, Kevin and Allyson provide unparalleled insight into the business of books, helping students launch their own presses and navigate the global industry.
• James Napoli (Screenwriting): A filmmaker and story consultant, James guides students through the visual rhythm of the screen, providing the technical mastery needed to move stories from the page to the theater.

While our program offers the flexibility of a low-residency, online format, the pulse of our community is felt most deeply during our Summer Residency. Held each year in late July on Western’s beautiful campus in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, this gathering transforms your virtual peers and mentors into a lifelong professional network.

The June Start: A Strategic Advantage

Your academic journey begins online in June, several weeks before we meet in person. This June start provides a critical financial headstart: by beginning your coursework before the July 1 federal deadline, you secure your eligibility under existing financial aid rules, ensuring your focus remains on your craft rather than shifting regulations.

What to Expect in Gunnison

• Immersive Workshops: Transition from your early summer online coursework into high-energy, in-person workshops where you’ll receive direct feedback on your manuscripts from faculty and peers.
• Craft & Industry Connection: Attend craft talks by our core faculty and participate in exclusive sessions with visiting artists, publishers, and editors who are at the top of their fields.
• A Supportive Literary Home: Our residency is built on community. Beyond the classroom, you’ll join communal meals, open-mic sessions, and receptions that foster the kind of friendships that sustain a long-term writing life.

The Living Classroom: Surrounded by the world-renowned natural beauty of the Gunnison Country, the landscape itself becomes a teacher, providing the space and inspiration needed to launch you into the academic year ahead