Writing By Writers (WxW) is a 501(c)3 non profit organization whose mission is to create a rigorous, compassionate and inclusive environment to learn the art of reading and writing from accomplished authors. WxW hosts multi-day writing workshops for people interested in writing fiction, non-fiction, memoir and poetry. The workshops are taught by nationally-known, published authors, who are adept at teaching the craft of writing to all levels of student. In addition, participants learn how to read other’s work critically and apply those lessons to their own writing.
The Writing By Writers Manuscript Boot Camp is for the writer who has a full, book-length manuscript (novel, memoir, short story or essay collection) and would like to engage with a small group for a serious and productive response. The extended weekend will include an intimate manuscript workshop, craft panels, readings, and individual meetings – the perfect pre-publication boot camp for any manuscript. Classes are limited to 5 participants.
When: October 30 - November 2, 2025. Boot Camp is held at Sundance Mountain Resort in Utah.
Tuition: Full tuition is $4,250 which includes a manuscript review of up to 80,000 words ($100 for every additional 5000 words), 4 days of workshop, admittance to all panels and readings, and all meals and lodging in a private room for three nights. Writing By Writers would like to thank the faculty for generously reducing their standard reading fees (which range from $5,000 to $10,000 for a full manuscript) so that we may offer this workshop to you at a significantly reduced rate.
Lodging & Meals: Lodging is provided in standard suites with each person having their own private bedroom and bathroom. Please let us know if you require an ADA accessible room. Meals include dinner on Thursday; three meals Friday and Saturday; and brunch on Sunday. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free meals are available upon request.
Format: Classes are limited to 5 participants each and one workshop session is set aside for each manuscript. Each participant will have their manuscript read by their faculty member and their four peers. In addition, they will have a one-on-one session with their faculty member.
Faculty: Steve Almond, Gina Frangello, Pam Houston, Antonya Nelson and Luis Alberto Urrea.
Application Fee: An application fee of $25 is required.
Notifications: Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis and will close when classes are full. Although we strive to respond in a timely manner, since multiple faculty members are often reviewing applications, and they have many commitments, it can take a bit of time. Please be patient and you may email us at info@writingxwriters.org to know the status of your application.
This is your manuscript to be critiqued in your workshop at Boot Camp. Please note this is for accepted writers only. If you are interested in applying to Boot Camp please go to our website at www.writingxwriters.org.
Writing By Writers is pleased to offer one and two week, residencies at the Wolf House in Minneapolis, Minnesota, The Hemingway House in Ketchum, Idaho, a Sears Kit House in Big Bend, Casita de Catalina in Baja, The Gulf Coast, Jackson Hole, Collioure, France, a Bookstore on the Oregon Coast and at Soul Land Retreat in Pioneer Town, CA. Residencies are open to fiction writers, creative nonfiction writers, poets, playwrights and screenwriters. Lodging is provided free of charge, however residents are responsible for their own meals, transportation and personal needs while at the residency. Residencies are intended for writers only. No spouses, children or friends are allowed unless applying as a co-resident.
Winners are selected by Pam Houston. Pam Houston is the author of the short story collection Cowboys Are My Weakness, the memoir Deep Creek: Finding Hope In The High Country, and six other books of fiction and nonfiction. Her books have won multiple Western States, Mountains and Plains and Colorado Book Awards and her stories have appeared in Best American Short Stories, the O Henry Prize Anthology and Best American Short Stories of the Century. She teaches creative writing at The Institute of American Indian Arts and UC Davis and is cofounder and creative director of the literary nonprofit Writing By Writers and fiction editor at the environmental arts journal Terrain.org. She lives on a homestead at 9,000 feet near the headwaters of the Rio Grande. Her book, Without Exception: Reclaiming Abortion, Personhood and Freedom, was published by Torrey House Press in September.
Applicants will be asked to provide a statement of intent, a short writing sample and submit a $50.00 tax deductible application fee. The application fee will help fund fellowships at future Writing By Writers workshops.