Every summer, the Juniper Institute gathers a community of writers to explore the creative process and develop new approaches to the craft of writing.
At the heart of the Institute are intensive workshops in poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. Writers generate new work and share that work or other work-in-progress with an assigned faculty member and a core group of peers. We keep our workshop numbers small so that every writer’s work gets dedicated attention.
Morning craft sessions offer writers a chance to talk with faculty and writers in residence about varied topics of interest, writers’ lives, books, and the state of contemporary letters. Sessions may also explore techniques, themes, and forms. Many craft session facilitators invite participants to try out writing exercises and exchange ideas.
On alternating mornings, the Juniper community gathers for moderated Q&As with one of the previous night’s readers. These conversations add depth and spontaneity to the week’s curriculum. Together, craft sessions and Q&As give Juniper participants numerous opportunities to engage with the Institute's distinguished faculty and writers in residence.
Each evening features dynamic readings by Juniper faculty and writers in residence. Common meals and open-mic readings are both held at the charming and historic University Club—a home base for participants to engage with their fellow writers. The daily schedule also includes free time for writing, relaxing, socializing, and enjoying the many charms of the Pioneer Valley.
A typical day’s schedule looks something like this:
10:30 Craft Sessions or Q&A
12:00 Lunch at the University Club
1:00-3:30 Workshops
4:00 Open-mics for Juniper participants
7:30 Readings by Institute faculty and writers in residence
