The IYWS is excited to announce our first opportunity for writers in middle school!

Crafting Engaging Narratives: *Free* Summer Middle School Workshop with Suzette Sheft

July 17th-August 6th, 2023

Join acclaimed author Suzette Sheft for a 3-week online narrative workshop for middle school students!  This free online narrative workshop will be hosted by the Iowa Young Writers' Studio and feature the author of bestselling YA novel "Running for Shelter: A True Story" Suzette Sheft, a rising senior at the Horace Mann School in New York who attended the IYWS 2-week residential program last summer. She has taught creative non-fiction writing to elementary and middle schoolers and values creating an energetic and welcoming classroom environment. "Running for Shelter: A True Story" chronicles the true story of Sheft's grandmother’s escape from Austria during WWIII and was published by Amsterdam Publishers. Sheft has also written an op-ed for Newsweek on the importance of Holocaust education. When she is not writing or reading, Suzette enjoys walking her two Bernedoodles, running, and spending time with her family.

About The Course

10-15 students will spend time generating and editing a 5-page narrative based on true events within their families and communities. Guest speakers from the Iowa Writers' Workshop and Iowa Nonfiction Writing Program will also be invited to speak and offer their experiences generating and workshopping their writing.

The course will meet synchronously M, T, Th, and F from 10 a.m. until no later than 2p.m. EST, with a 1-hour break included. Accepted students will need to be able to access the internet and Zoom at these times to participate fully. Asynchronous portions of the course will involve generative writing activities and supplemental readings; students are welcome to complete them at their own pace.

To Apply

Young writers from all backgrounds who are rising 7th or 8th graders are invited to apply! Please fill out this form by Wednesday, July 5th. 10-15 students will be selected. Decisions will be emailed by July 9th.