The Prospect Writers’ Workshop is a nine-week writing program based in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn Cambridge, Massachusetts. Led by novelist and Iowa Writers’ Workshop graduate Andrew Ridker, PWW prioritizes craft, community, and career development.

With classes capped at eight students, PWW is both selective and intensive — an MFA in miniature for working people.

The class meets once a week to study two works of student fiction. Together, we discuss the stories from a craft perspective, identifying strengths and weaknesses in plot, style, character, point of view, and more. We pose questions to the student-authors, offer ideas for revision, and supply written feedback letters with the goal of empowering each other to write sophisticated, publishable fiction.

A final session is reserved for career development, during which students learn the ins and outs of pitching, publishing, and promoting their work. We celebrate the end of the semester with a party, where students can meet peers from other classes and network with literary agents, editors, and published writers.

The current fee is $900 for the nine-week session; each student has the opportunity to workshop twice.

Use the form below to apply for the fall session, which will begin in September in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

 
 
 
 

Student Testimonials

“Prospect Writers’ Workshop has been the most valuable writing workshop I've taken. Andrew created an atmosphere of rigor and advocacy: his feedback felt approachable while still being grounded in craft and form. As a reader and editor, Andrew is attentive, thoughtful, and discerning. He engaged deeply with each person's work and used our individual pieces as case studies for broader writing craft.​ I learned so much week-to-week. Workshop sessions became ​d​iscussions in technique, where ​we'd ​get actionable feedback and frameworks for thinking about future ​p​ieces of writing. I deeply felt Andrew's investment in our growth. He brought curiosity and care to ​e​veryone's writing and ideas. His editorial insight, pedagogical skill, smart instincts as a writer and commitment to creating a generous environment made this a really ​a​mazing experience. I'm walking away a better writer and reader.”

“Without a trace of irony: it was transformative for me. The combination of structure, unknown quantities (i.e., my workshop-mates), and Andrew's warm and open style was something I didn't know I had been missing from my writing life, which up to date had been heavy on solitude. (There have been consistent cameos from writer friends and editors, but still, it's a lot of staring at a screen by yourself.) I had gone in with no expectations for the workshop format, and plenty of expectations for myself, and I came away with new outlooks on both.”

“I had a fantastic experience in this workshop. From the start, Andrew created an environment where everyone was curious, courteous and rigorous in our submissions and our feedback. He is one of the rare people who is not only a great writer but a great teacher and facilitator of writing. This workshop was such a great value and such a great option for anyone who wants to refine their craft without necessarily committing to an MFA. I really can't say enough good about what Andrew is building with the Prospect Writers Workshop.”

”I learned a lot more about how fiction works or doesn’t work than in any other workshop/class I’ve been in. We had a really great, supportive, talented group who seemed to want the best for one another!”

“PWW was a wonderful time. Andrew led a great workshop: discussions were always elucidating and fruitful, and all of my classmates were incredibly thoughtful as well. The masterclass stories were a nice way to start each session, and I liked the variety in the stories selected, as well as the occasional guest appearances. The snacks were great, the music was great, even the heater tried to get in on sharing its opinions sometimes. I came away really impressed by the experience and will definitely miss the meetings. Wednesdays were a highlight of my week!”

“I signed up to force myself to write more and it's really paid off. This workshop gave me a warm, happy space to come after a long day at work and be around people who feel as passionate about [writing] as I do.”

“Andrew does a really excellent job of leading the workshop conversation without overpowering student voices. There is always lively discussion and active participation on the part of every workshop member, which is a rare and lovely thing!”

"I loved Andrew's workshop and truly feel like I've become a stronger writer throughout it.”

“I've had a great time in this workshop. I look forward each week to being able to hear other writers, whose writing and opinions I really respect, give constructive feedback to each other. Andrew's advice and knowledge on writing craft, and recommendations for authors, books, and stories to check out has been extremely enlightening in my writing education. I've grown a lot as a writer and critical reader.”

“Andrew is very enthusiastic, as are all of my classmates, which always makes workshop super energizing. It's a great way to end the day.”

“A good combination of supportive and critical, Andrew fostered an environment where fellow writers provided constructive feedback that helped me rethink aspects of my writing.”

“What an amazing experience! PWW provides a community of support from the jump, where writers can get candid but non-judgmental assessments of their work and nerd out on all things literary! As fun as a writing workshop can be!”

“I had a very fulfilling workshop and found the blend of craft lessons and the discussions well balanced.”

“Andrew is an amazing diagnostician, able to pinpoint strengths of a piece to lean into, and issues that may be hindering development. He leads an excellent workshop.”

“Wonderful! The vibes are impeccable, everyone is super motivated to participate, share with each other, help and offer feedback. Andrew is a wonderful instructor and keeps things loose, fostering a natural and smooth environment to dig into fiction.”