The Attic Experience

  • "I found the Attic allowed me to see the value and potential in every piece. The atmosphere of the workshop was warm and respectful, but that level of courtesy never interfered with honest, well-constructed feedback. One of my own stories underwent drastic changes. It was accepted for publication soon after. Couldn't ask for better results."

    — Deborah Cravey

  • “The Attic has transformed my writing. Got me to the core of the emotion, themes, and meaning of why I write. ​I might have settled into this place on my own — eventually — but not nearly as fast and with as much confidence in tow. Every week, I was amazed at the breadth and diversity of the every student's tale.”

    — Courtney Pierce

  • "I credit David Biespiel and the poets in the Poets Studio with teaching me not just how to read and write but how to learn to read and write. This last Studio cycle, I achieved my goal to write one good poem, worth sharing for publication. And in July, I was astonished this poem was accepted within 3 hours of my submitting it. Dancing for days!”

    — Kat Hanson

  • “The positive feedback gave me confidence, and the responses gave me direction for expanding and improving what I wrote."

    — Marcia Sherman

  • "If you are considering registering for a workshop, my advice is stop considering and DO IT! Dive in and discover what has been inside you all along!"

    — Jeffrey Gould

  • "As my first ever workshop, I encourage anyone interested in writing to make it a priority to invest in this experience. The Creative Renewal Weekend delivered exactly what those words mean!"

    — Deborah Holbrook

  • “I had never taken a writing course before and was certain that, not only was I the worst writer who ever spilled ink on the page, but everyone at the table would realize it instantly and cull me from the herd. I was wrong. I found myself surrounded by a group of supportive writers.”

    — Mark Friel

  • “Going to the Creative Renewal Weekend was one of the best things I have ever done for myself. I now feel much more confident, inspired and, indeed, renewed. I have found my passion and joy once again."

    — Susannah Carver

  • "Participating in the Attic workshops helps me to understand my own work, it connects me with other writers, and it gives me a chance to practice reading my work for an attentive audience. Because of the feedback I have received from fellow writers, I have learned further how to revise my work..”

    — Erin Osborne

  • "I had such a good feeling coming out of my class at the Attic Institute. I had direction and information. Thanks so much for the encouragement, insight, and attentiveness to all our learning styles."

    — Boni Wolf

  • "Thank you for this wonderful opportunity. I'm slowly, but surely, growing as a writer and I want to give due credit to the Attic Institute for fostering such a dynamic crossroads."

    — Star Marbella

  • "Previous classes gave me the tools for revising my writing. But there was never a satisfactory explanation as to when to use the different tools. David Biespiel's explanation about the different bridges we cross when reviewing our writing makes sense."

    — Roger Scarborough