Classes and workshops for the community
Wherever you are, we're here to meet you
The Piper Writers Studio (PWS) offers creative writing classes, workshops, and other educational opportunities for writers of all backgrounds, genres, and levels of experience.
Our classes are intended for and open to the public. You do not need to be an ASU student to attend. Class sizes are kept small—usually between 8 and 16 students—in order to maximize the amount of instruction and to develop closer relationships between students, faculty, and the class as a whole. Individual classes range from single afternoons to multiple weeks. Classes are taught by local and visiting faculty and are offered at various times throughout the year. While individual costs vary depending upon the content and duration of the course, classes usually cost between $39-$250, with a number of discounts available for various sectors of the community.
Summer Workshops
Four Tuesdays | June 3, 10, 17, & 24 @ 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Discovering Your Themes: How to Gather and Order a Poetry Manuscript
Virtual with Jenny Benjamin
Delve into your poetry by exploring what themes are threaded through your poems and use this exploration to structure a full-length manuscript or chapbook. Analyze the work of other poets and use this activity to influence or inspire your own manuscript, one with sections or no sections but one with a system that urges the reader to keep going until the final poem. Consider writing in new forms and styles to inject surprising elements and experimental pieces into your body of work. Engage in writing activities that illuminate the themes inside of you that surface and shine in your poems. Even if you feel you have a chaotic grouping of poems, use this class to learn about your writing and the best way to gather the work you create.
In this class, you'll receive:
- Strategies on how to gather and order a poetry manuscript or chapbook
- New poems
- Insights into thematic elements in your poetry
Jenny Benjamin is the owner of her freelance writing and editing business JB Communications, LLC. Over fifty of her poems have appeared in journals, including DIAGRAM, South Carolina Review, Fulcrum, Baltimore Review, Chelsea, and the Crab Orchard Review. Her first novel, This Most Amazing, was published in 2013 by Armida Books in Nicosia, Cyprus. Her poetry chapbooks, More Than a Box of Crayons (2018) and Painted Women in the Walls (2025), were published by Finishing Line Press. Her poetry chapbook, Midway, earned second place in the 2017 No Chair Press contest and was published in April 2018. Enhanced and Corrupted, the first two books of her young adult, science fiction trilogy were published by Ananke Press (October 2021, July 2022). Redeemed: Book Three of the Terrian Trilogy came out in January 2023. Her novel Heather Finch was published by Running Wild Press (June 2022). She lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. More information can be found on her website: http://jenny-benjamin.com/
Wednesday | June 18 @ 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Examining the Self: Writing Under the Influence
Virtual with Laura Van Prooyen
In this generative workshop, we will read in community and write in response together “under the influence” of the selected poets. First, we will read poems aloud (Ocean Vuong & Mary Jo Bang, among others) that focus on ways we perceive the self. Reading aloud allows us to open both eye and ear to appreciate the poem’s craft, and we let the poems speak for themselves (note: this is not a discussion-based class where we talk “about” the poems). Then, guided by prompts drawn from the poems, we will write independently, drafting our own experience. We’ll close with the option to share our work. Get ready to jump into an engaging evening.
In this class, you'll receive:
- Engage with thought-provoking writing prompts
- Create new drafts of work
- Discover your poetic voice
Laura Van Prooyen is author of three collections of poetry: Frances of the Wider Field (Lily Poetry Review Books) a finalist for the Helen C. Smith Memorial Award for Best Book of Poetry, Texas Institute of Letters; Our House Was on Fire (Ashland Poetry Press) nominated by Philip Levine and winner of the McGovern Prize; and Inkblot and Altar (Pecan Grove Press). She is also co-author of Text Structures from Poetry, a book of writing lessons for educators of grades 4-12 (Corwin Literacy). Van Prooyen is the Managing Editor for The Cortland Review, facilitates free online workshops with Community Building Art Works for healthcare workers (www.cbaw.org), is the founder of Next Page Press www.nextpage-press.com and teaches poetry as visiting faculty at Trinity University. She lives in San Antonio, TX. www.lauravanprooyen.com
Four Wednesdays | July 2, 9, 16, 23 @ 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Write the Memoir to Remember
Virtual with Patricia L. Brooks
In an encouraging and insightful presentation, Patricia L. Brooks will help you capture the essence of your untold story. She will share with you how to produce a memoir to your own satisfaction, face your fears and conquer your story's emotional beats. With techniques and tips from her three daring memoirs, and her new release on writing memoir, she will help you to understand the journey to writing yours. Within this engaging and informative format, Patricia will inspire you to take the necessary steps to bring your work to fruition. Whether you are finishing a memoir, preparing it for an editor, or starting on your journey, you will find what you need here to keep going and enjoy the process.
In this class, you'll receive:
- Explore various techniques for structuring your memoir
- Learn how to use "mind mapping" to bring your story to life
- Get feedback from a professional author on your writing
Patricia L. Brooks, MAOM, published three memoirs: Sick as My Secrets, Three Husbands and a Thousand Boyfriends and Gifts of Sisterhood - journey from grief to gratitude. She also published her non-fiction book Write the Memoir You're Afraid to Write in Nov 2024. Patricia is president and founder of the phenomenally successful Scottsdale Society of Women Writers, founded in 2005 and is president and owner of Brooks Goldmann Publishing, LLC with her husband, author Earl L. Goldmann, also founded in 2005.
Ms. Brooks is affiliated with Arizona State University, teaching memoir writing for the Piper Center for Creative Writing. She previously taught business classes as an adjunct in the W.P Carry School for over 10 years, at the Poly Tech and West campuses.
Patricia and her husband live in Old Town Scottsdale. She has been in Arizona since 1976 when she transferred as a business student to ASU.
Four Wednesdays | July 8, 15, 22, 29 @ 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Sound & Vision: Crafting the Written Word Through the Sensory World
Virtual with Lorin Drexler
In this exploratory 4-week generative workshop series, we will use music, art, visual objects, and environments to generate new creative work. Each week will take a different approach to engaging the senses and prompting the imagination. Writers of all skill levels and genres are invited to participate!
In this class, you'll receive:
- Draft new poetry and/or prose piece(s)
- Discover techniques to channel inspiration
- Build effective work habits
Lorin Drexler is an American poet, fiction writer, and musician/producer. Currently residing in Mesa, Arizona, and originally from the windy city of Chicago, he graduated from Columbia College Chicago with a bachelor's degree in creative writing. His work has appeared in Fjords Review, Harpy Hybrid Review, Abstract Magazine, LitroNY, Vine Leaves Literary Journal, Maudlin House, and others. Lorin was also an award recipient in the 2019 Tempe Writing Contest.
Learn more about the Piper Writers Studio
About the Studio
At the Piper Writers Studio, we believe in the power of your words. We believe in your artistic momentum and in how education can transform dreams into realities. We encourage professional development in all areas of creative writing and literary professions for beginning writers to intermediate writers to seasoned authors to those who don’t know they are writers yet. PWS welcomes all levels of learners and seeks to meet you where you are at on your creative journey. We offer high-quality educational experiences and multi-genre learning opportunities in a diverse array of creative writing genres as well as multiple classes on the business of writing. Our faculty are all published writers and skilled teachers of writing.
We provide a listening ear and an open door and are honored to be the place where artists go to further their skills and build their imaginations. We strive to foster authentic creativity and craft, one writer at a time.
Discounts
As part of our continuing efforts to increase access to creative writing education across diverse communities, the Piper Center offers a number of discounts for students, veterans, ASU affiliates, and senior citizens, as well as individuals experiencing economic challenges.
Generally speaking, discounts are between 10% and 15% off each class, and are claimed by entering an ID number or contacting the Piper Center at [email protected] to receive a discount code.
Please note: Discounts are not available for every class. Only one discount code can be used for each class. However, there is no limit to the number of classes for which the discount can be used. The Piper Center reserves the right to ask for further verification of all discounts upon request.
Accessibility
Virginia G. Piper Center for Creative Writing is committed to ensuring that all individuals have fair and equal access to Piper Center events and programs.
All venues are accessible to individuals with mobility challenges, hearing loss, or other forms of disability.
ASL interpreting services, printed versions of presentations, large print handouts, translations, and alternative forms of materials for classes, workshops, or other programs are available with two to three weeks advance notice (upon request).
To request materials or contact the Center with any other accessibility questions or concerns, call the Center directly at 480.965.6018 or send us an email at [email protected].
Teach with us
Teach with Piper
Educating and inspiring our writing community
Interested in teaching a class or workshop? Virginia G. Piper Center for Creative Writing is now accepting proposals for creative writing classes and workshops through the Piper Writers Studio (PWS).
Before you begin your application, be sure to have the following ready (as you won't be able to save and return to your application):
- A brief bio (200 words or less)
- Proposed course title
- Proposed course description (200 words or less)
We will NOT ask you for a CV, writers resume, or list of your publications. Instead we will ask you to provide a short personal statement letting us know why you think you're a good fit to teach with us including what your involvement may currently be in our literary community.
We recognize that filling out an application like this can feel intimidating, especially if you're new to processes like this. To help, we will offer some advice along the way. You can also check out our FAQs or our PWS Instructor Informational Guide.
For other opportunities with Virginia G. Piper Center for Creative Writing, you can apply for a Desert Nights, Rising Stars Writers Conference Teaching Fellowship. For more information about course proposals, you can view past classes or contact coodinator for educational programs, [email protected]
Contact
Can't find an answer to your question? Email us!
Can't find an answer to your question? Email our coordinator for educational programs, [email protected] or send a general query to [email protected].
Invest in us
With your support, Virginia G. Piper Center for Creative Writing is able to host free educational opportunities. Give writers from Arizona and the Southwest access to classes and workshops from expert faculty. Help writers of all levels receive the knowledge, training and assistance necessary for their personal, professional and artistic development. Your gifts also ensure excellent free and fair-cost literary programming across our diverse communities. Become an essential part of our community story with your gift to Piper today.
FAQ
The entire registration process can be completed online by following the links above. You will receive a confirmation email once you are registered for the workshop. Registration closes for all workshops at the start of the first session.
Workshops range from $50 to $250.
ASU Students, OLLI Members, and Mirabella residents are eligible for registration discounts of anywhere from 25% to 50% off. Keep an eye out for coupon codes in our monthly newsletter as well. Subscribe here.
All PWS workshops are open to the public!
ASU credit is not awarded for PWS workshops. For-credit writing classes are taught through the ASU Department of English.
Yes, you can. For every 10 instructional hours, you can receive 1 CEU credit. CEU credits require a $30 registration fee in addition to PWS registration costs. Once you’ve signed up for a course, please fill out the CEU Professional Development Form. When you have completed the course, you will receive a certificate via snail-mail confirming your credit hours.
Workshops meet at the Piper Writers House at ASU, local bookstores, and virtually through Zoom.
Class lengths vary. Many of our evening classes meet for 1-2 hours a week. Saturday classes tend to meet between 3-5 hours, allowing participants to explore a topic in depth. Four-week classes are scheduled for two hours each week, on a single night. One-day courses meet for five hours on a Saturday and explore a topic in depth.
Workshops are updated before each new semester. If you would like to receive notices when new workshops are scheduled, please subscribe to our newsletter.
The Piper Center offers registration fee refunds up to 72 hours before the workshop date. A $5 processing fee will be deducted from the refund. We cannot offer refunds within the 72-hour window before the workshop date. Please email Sasha Hawkins, the Piper Center’s Education Coordinator, at [email protected] for more information.