“Writing is an exploration.
You start from nothing and learn as you go.”
- E.L. Doctorow
Spring 2026 Workshop Sessions
Via Zoom
The Writers’ Laboratory
Not Offered Until Fall 2026
Writing the Short Story
March 21st — May 16th
no class April 25th
Saturdays, 10 am to 12 noon, via Zoom
8 weeks
Writing the Short Story
The short story is one of the oldest, most flexible and interesting forms of storytelling. From flash fiction to experimental to more traditional the short story gives writers a wide latitude to explore the many possibilities of narrative. This class will combine seminar and workshop. Ideally students should be prepared to workshop their work at least once. Students will be required to read assigned stories outside of class and be prepared to lead discussions about issues surrounding techniques such as form, voice, point of view, plot and character. By reading the work of a variety of accomplished short story writers, you will explore both traditional and nontraditional narrative structures to help find an effective frame work for the feelings that serve as the original impetus for your creativity. This workshop is open to anyone but is ideally suited for students with a few stories under their belt.
No class April 25th
“Not that the story need be long, but it will take a long while to make it short.”
– Henry David Thoreau
Via Zoom
Spring 2026 Session
March 21st — May 16th
no class April 25th
Saturdays, 10 am to 12 noon
8 weeks
Maximum writers: 12
For more information
contact The Attic Institute
www:atticinstitute.com
Frank Conroy, the long-time director of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop once said, “In good writing, you can feel a soul pressing up against the narrative.”
The question is how do writers discover that “soul” and translate it into good storytelling?
We’ll first focus on finding the soul that’s pushing you to write by offering a true laboratory, a safe place to inspire and experiment with new ideas generated by in-class prompts and exercises. We will talk about the craft of narrative, as well. Students will be required to read assigned essays, stories, memoir and novel excerpts outside of class to get a sense of the forms and techniques of narrative. The hope is students will be well on their way with a map for a new project by the end of class. The Writer’s Laboratory is ideal for beginning writers but also for more established writers seeking to generate new lively material.
The Writers’ Laboratory
a generative workshop for fiction and nonfiction writers
Via Zoom
Fall 2026 Session
Dates to Come
Tuesdays, 6:00 - 7:30 pm
6 weeks
Maximum writers: 12
For more information
contact The Attic Institute
www:atticinstitute.com
"Lee Montgomery was fantastic. She was an excellent facilitator and structured the discussions so that everyone had a chance to speak in constructive, analytical ways. Her constructive criticism was awesome. At the end of each group discussion, she spoke directly to the writer--so it was like we all got to listen in on a one-on-one conference. This was very enlightening, to hear from an editor's perspective what's working or not in a particular piece.”
—Tin House Summer Workshop Student