Conception to Completion

Your writing has to start somewhere...and end somewhere.

We asked our teachers...What is your advice to writers about how to move from conception to completion? What kinds of habits & habits of mind are needed?

Bill Donahue
Clear out a time to write and then make no excuses. Read more

Shanna Germain
The biggest tip I can offer is also the oldest one around: write. Just glue your ass to the seat & stay there. Read more

Rebecca Koffman
Lots of self- discipline is helpful. Read more

Ariel Gore
You just have to work. Begin. Begin anywhere. And begin again. Read more

Marc Acito
I don't think writing is a matter of discipline so much as obsession. The manuscript is like a lover who tortures you...Read more

Kathleen Halme
I think of all writing as practice...Read more

Liz Prato
Think about a time when you were really productive in your writing...Read more

More to come.

Must Reads

Writing Process

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The Attic Experience

"Regarding my workshop with Merridawn Duckler. I just wanted to thank you for how you ran the class. I was a little worried about taking the class because I had a bitter taste from some teachers I had MANY years ago in university who really tried to teach writing to a formula. I like that you resisted that, and urged your students to resist that temptation. You have a confident voice and an encouraging style that clearly brought out the best in your writers."

Carrie-Ann Tkaczyk

The Classic Book for Writers, Updated and Revised

EVERY WRITER HAS A THOUSAND FACES

"This book has been in print forever because what it offers works for people." — Chuck Palahniuk, author of Fight Club

"Finally, an anti-bullsht book on creativity!"* — James Marcus, former editor of Harper's

"Does for the creative process what Strunk and White did for our approach to grammar and style. Indispensible." — Marjorie Sandor, National Jewish Book Award winner

"Buoyant...unorthodox...A provocative and anti-intuitive manual for making fresh art." — Kirkus Review

"Biespiel offers a number of best practices—not just for writing...but for living a creative life." — The Rumpus

A Statement of Our Values

The Attic Institute of Arts and Letters opposes the legitimation of bigotry, hate, and misinformation. As a studio for writers, we do not tolerate harassment or discrimination of any kind. We embrace and celebrate our shared pursuit of literature and languages as essential to crossing the boundaries of difference. To that end, we seek to maintain a creative environment in which every employee, faculty member, and student feels safe, respected, and comfortable — even while acknowledging that poems, stories, and essays delve into uncomfortable subjects. We accept the workshop as a place to question ourselves and to empathize with complex identities. We understand that to know the world is to write the world. Therefore, we reaffirm our commitment to literary pursuits and shared understanding by affirming diversity and open inquiry.