Links for Writers

On this page are links to sites under the general topic of reading and writing in the English language. As with all things on the Web, this is a work in progress; this list is by no means comprehensive. However, we hope that it will be a useful reference for those interested in all aspects of creative writing.

Of Interest to Writers at Northwestern

  • The Major in Writing. The English Major in Writing, an undergraduate concentration within the English Department at Northwestern University, teaches the writing of poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. By asking students to examine poems and prose works with the eye of a writer, and by encouraging students to apprentice themselves, as energetically as possible, to the best literary models, the Writing Faculty hope to help promising artists in their craft, as well as to educate future editors, publishers, literary agents, teachers, and discerning readers. Some features of this unique and rigorous undergraduate program include the intensive writing course-sequence, the honors seminar and tutorial, and the opportunity for students to work with a number of superb visiting writers in addition to the faculty.
  • The Writing Program. The Writing Program aims to help all Northwestern students learn to write clearly, thoughtfully, and effectively. They believe that clear writing and thinking are central to success in every academic discipline. To accomplish their goals, they offer introductory, intermediate, and advanced courses in expository writing. They also provide tutoring and consultation in the Writing Place, and collaborate in many ways with colleagues in other departments and programs-such as the English Department, with its Writing Major, the Department of Linguistics, the Center for the Writing Arts, and the Medill School of Journalism-all in an effort to help Northwestern students become strong writers and thinkers.
  • The Writing Place. Northwestern's peer tutoring center for writers. Whether you are writing a paper for a class, composing application letters and essays, or working on some other writing project, a Writing Place consultant can help you at any stage of the writing process, from talking about ideas to developing a plan to preparing the final copy. Consultations are free and available to anyone in the Northwestern community: undergraduates, graduate students, faculty, or staff.
  • NuWrite-Resources for Writing. This site for students and faculty provides resources, advise, and conversation about (a) core skills in writing, (b) writing in specific disciplines, and (c) teaching writing in a variety of courses.
  • MA/MFA in Creative Writing (School of Continuing Studies). Areas of specialization are fiction, creative nonfiction and poetry. The MA/MFA program is the only graduate-level creative writing program at Northwestern University. A part-time evening master's program, it offers students a practical way to develop their writing and receive academic credit in creative writing courses while maintaining the responsibilities of adult life. Courses are offered on both the Chicago and Evanston campuses. The program provides artistic nurturing in a community of writers, both faculty and peers; exposure to the aesthetics of writing; and participatory readings and events - all within a flexible curriculum. Students focus on fiction, creative nonfiction, or poetry in a workshop environment. They work closely with the program's faculty, who help them recognize and address the strengths and weaknesses in their writing. While an advanced creative writing degree helps distinguish students as capable writers, the program also offers the opportunity to teach and gain experience in the publishing industry through optional internships. Some graduates go on to become successful published writers, others to pursue careers in publishing and editing, and still others to teach creative writing.
  • MFA in Writing for Screen and Stage (School of Communication). The MFA Program revolves around six core courses, which introduce you to a set of "transportable" media writing concepts, as well as specific idioms/genres. You'll build a significant portfolio -- at least a short screenplay, play, TV episode, and full-length thesis project of your choosing. You'll understand not just the art and craft of media writing, but also the business of media writing as we'll practice pitching, taking meetings, writing query letters, and understanding contracts. You'll choose from a range of topics courses, such as developing the pilot, writing the teen film, experimental adaptation, and interactive narrative. Along the way, you'll meet artists and executives from TV, stage, film, and new media. We've also included amazing production opportunities, from Radio-TV-Film media-making courses to a $5000 grant to help you bring to life your play, screenplay, or teleplay. You'll have access to our first-class facilities including cameras, lighting, sound, and computer labs, as well as a blackbox studio that can be used for filming or staging works. Some of you will have an opportunity to work with the actors of Remy Bummpo, an innovative and award-winning Chicago theatre company, as they perform a directed reading of one of your pieces. All of you will get the chance to apply for internships earmarked to writing in LA, NY, or Chicago, to get a firsthand look at the "real world" by participating in an internship at a film, stage, or TV production company. Finally, each of you will TA a writing course, as we believe teaching others helps you to better understand your own work.

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Chicago Literary Resources

Literary Organizations

Chicago Literary Magazines

Chicago Media Resources for Literary Events

Chicagoland Literary Events

Get Involved, Volunteer, Non-for Profit Chicago Literary Organizations

Chicago Public Library Event Listings

Chicago Independent Bookstores

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Writers' Resources and Associations

  • Association of Writers and Writing Programs. A nonprofit organization working for the benefit of writers, writing programs, and teachers of writing. Many useful links to literary sites.
  • National Writers Union. The National Writers Union is the trade union for freelance writers of all genres publishing in U.S. markets.
  • PEN American Center. The largest of more than 120 Centers worldwide that compose International PEN, a membership association of prominent literary writers and editors.
  • Poets and Writers. Online resources for poets and writers.

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National Organizations

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Book Discussion Websites

The Great Books Foundation offers people of all ages an exciting way to read and discuss outstanding works of literature. A nonprofit educational organization.

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