Creative Writing

Hampshire's creative writing professors believe that writers need a deep knowledge of language and craft as well as a daring imagination that is open to the world. Above all, writing takes practice.

Through workshop courses in fiction, literary journalism, and poetry that couple intensive writing with active reading, students practice elementary techniques, receiving detailed critiques from professors and peers. Our students discover and develop their own voices, and learn to read as writers. Our faculty also believe that each student's journey to writing is unique.

Students are encouraged to develop their curiosities, and to discover their own ways of telling stories, all the while paying close attention to others' voices. Our faculty also know the power of art to change lives. Today's dramatically changing world requires writers to be deft, informed thinkers whose vision is broad and clear.

In addition to taking creative writing courses each year, students actively explore a wide range of disciplines, bringing what they learn into active conversation with their creative work.

• Plate by Plate: A Poem's Tectonics
• Advanced Fiction Workshop
• Advanced Poetry Workshop
• The Axe and the Sewing Machine: Re-Membering (as Activism) in the Face of Dismemberment
• Mystery and Imagination: Fiction Workshop
• The Past Recaptured: Photographs, Facts and Fictions, 1890-1910
• Performance and Poetry
• Plate by Plate: A Poem's Tectonics
• Poetry of the "Political Imagination"
• Style and Sensibility: Strategies for Fiction Writers
• The Practice of Literary Journalism
• Who's Telling This Story: Point of View for Fiction Writers
• Writing World Families: making inclusive fiction
• Who's Telling This Story
• Writing a Child's Voice for Theatre
• Writing Fiction About Families
• Creative Writing Fiction (UMass)
• Creative Writing Poetry (UMass)
• Expository Writing (UMass)
• Fiction Writing I and II (AC)
• Screenwriting (AC)
• Short Story I (MHC)
• Writing Across Cultures (MHC)
• Writing Poetry I and II (AC)

Requirements

• Common Application
• An academic paper in English
• Supplemental essay responses
• Current transcripts
• School report, including guidance counselor recommendation
• At least one letter of recommendation from a teacher
• Certification of Finances form
• TOEFL or IELTS score (Minimum TOEFL score of 91 or a minimum IELTS score of 6.5. Predicted grades for IB English A1 or A2, or for A-level English, will also be considered.
• Additional letters of recommendation, up to three

Scholarships

• MacArthur Foundation Grant Making Programs
• American Association of University Women
• Fulbright International Scholarship Program for non-US students

Creative Writing at Hampshire College offers students an immersive and innovative approach to the study and practice of writing. The program emphasizes a hands-on, experimental, and collaborative learning environment, encouraging students to develop their unique voice and storytelling abilities across a variety of genres, including fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and experimental writing. Students engage with a diverse curriculum that covers literary techniques, narrative structures, and the history of literature, while also emphasizing critical thinking and revision skills. The faculty comprises accomplished writers and literary scholars who provide personalized mentorship, fostering a supportive community for emerging writers. The college’s interdisciplinary approach allows students to incorporate insights from humanities, arts, and social sciences into their creative work, promoting a holistic educational experience. Students participate in workshops, readings, and writing ensembles, which develop their analytical and peer review skills. Hampshire College values diversity and inclusion, encouraging students from different backgrounds to explore and express their perspectives through writing. The program prepares graduates for careers in creative writing, publishing, teaching, and other fields where strong communication skills are essential. Additionally, students have access to practical resources such as writing centers, publication opportunities, and partnerships with local literary organizations. The program’s flexible curriculum allows students to tailor their coursework toward their individual interests and career goals. Hampshire’s environment nurtures innovation and experimentation, making it an ideal place for aspiring writers to cultivate their craft, engage critically with literature, and contribute meaningfully to the literary community.