How One Story Serves Students of Writing
One Story classes are spaces for students to build community around a shared passion for the written word. Led by accomplished authors and editors, our educational programming is a chance for readers and writers to receive high-quality instruction with an emphasis on the craft of fiction. Since 2013, we’ve served over 7,600 students in our classes, both in-person and online. Our course offerings are built for writers at different stages in their practice and include self-guided classes, online workshops for those seeking feedback on their works-in-progress, reading groups that offer deep dives into new and classic texts, and a five day in-person Writers’ Conference. Read on for more information about the kinds of classes we offer.
Online Courses
Self-Guided Classes
Our self-guided classes are designed to be taken at your own pace—there are no set dates, so you can start learning right away. Lessons are delivered via short pre-recorded videos and written text, and may include writing prompts or other downloadable materials. There is no discussion board or interaction with other students. Students will have access to self-guided classes for one year after their enrollment date.
Asynchronous Craft Classes
These large classes (75-200 students) are structured around a specific craft element and consist of short pre-recorded video lectures, lessons that are written text, light reading assignments, and writing prompts. Classes generally run from three to seven days, and the instructor is available to field questions on the discussion board for the duration of the class. There is no instructor feedback on writing prompts, but students can give one another feedback on their work. Students will be able to access course material for five weeks after the class start date.
Reading Groups
Designed for writers and readers alike, our reading groups analyze a single text or multiple texts. Classes meet once a week for live zoom lectures to discuss the reading with the instructor. There may be optional writing and/or discussion prompts on the online discussion board. Reading groups generally run four weeks. Some reading group sessions will be recorded. Reading groups are capped at 50 students.
Craft Courses
Our craft courses analyze fiction from a craft perspective and include generative writing exercises. Class will meet once a week for a live zoom lecture based on the assigned reading, along with a discussion and writing prompt. Students are encouraged to share their work on the discussion board for light feedback by fellow students. Courses are four weeks long; some are recorded. Craft courses are capped at 25 students.
Fiction Workshops
Limited to ten students, these six-week workshops are opportunities for students to receive in-depth feedback on their work from fellow students and their instructor. Classes meet on zoom once a week. Fiction Workshops have rolling admission and are designed for writers without workshop experience; Advanced Fiction Workshops have a juried submission process and require previous workshop experience.
Generative Fiction Workshops
Designed for writers of all levels, each class is made up of generative exercises created to illuminate different craft elements. Classes meet on Zoom once a week for six weeks. Sharing work is optional but encouraged. Instructors and students will provide light feedback on work that is shared.
Lecture Series
These live virtual lectures feature writers teaching a single craft topic or in conversation with one another.
“I'm still meeting with a group of writers I met online in a One Story class at the beginning of the pandemic! We've been meeting and workshopping each other's short fiction every month ever since.”
In-Person Offerings
One Story Writers' Conference
Created for fiction writers who are serious about their craft and excited to be part of a literary community, our Writers’ Conference is held in Manhattan for five days in July and features workshops, craft lectures, readings, and opportunities to meet with agents and editors. Applications for the Writers’ Conference generally open in January or February.
One Story Field Trips
One Story Field Trips are site-specific writing classes held at various landmarks in the five boroughs. In the past, we’ve led Field Trips to Green-Wood Cemetery, Coney Island, the Gowanus Canal, the Queens Museum, and Jane’s Carousel.
One Story believes that writing fiction has tremendous value, regardless of getting published. Our educational approach is open, curious, friendly, and focused on the experience of stress-free creation.