Masterclass with Tommy Orange
A Half-Day Retreat for Advanced Fiction Writers

APPLY for this masterclass NOW by clicking here.

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Join us for a masterclass with Tommy Orange, Pulitzer Prize finalist and winner of the American Book Award for There There. Designed for experienced fiction writers, this half-day retreat offers a rare opportunity to refine your craft in a space that prioritizes deep engagement over traditional critique. Writing can be an isolating pursuit, but it thrives in community. This masterclass invites you to participate in an exchange that nurtures creative risk, sharpens your attention to craft, and fosters a literary network.

What to Expect

This is not a typical workshop focused on revision or critique. Instead, Tommy Orange will guide participants through a process of deep listening and reflective response, helping writers recognize what is working, what invites curiosity, and how a piece might expand into new creative territory. Writers will submit a 600 to 1,000-word sample (flash fiction, a short story excerpt, or another work of fiction) to receive feedback that highlights strengths and explores possibilities for growth.

Through this process, you will:

• Gain insight into your work while also engaging with the work of others.
• Develop a more intuitive and less judgmental approach to your writing.
• Learn to read and respond with care, attention, and generosity.
• Discover new ways to sustain a writing practice that is both rigorous and expansive.

Who Should Apply?

This masterclass is intended for fiction writers with advanced experience in their craft, whether through formal education, independent study, or a dedicated personal practice. All genres and forms are welcome, and participants should be comfortable sharing and engaging deeply with 600–1,000 words of original work.

Application Process

To apply, submit:

• A 600 to 1,000-word writing sample (flash fiction, short story excerpt, or another work of fiction) via this application form.
• [Optional] A brief summary of your writing experience, including relevant background or training (250-word maximum)

Applications will be reviewed to select a small group of dedicated writers (10–12 participants) for this intimate, high-level workshop.

Key Dates

• March 21: Applications due
• April 15: Selected participants notified
• April 24: Registration fees paid via Eventbrite or in-person at Mechanics' Institute

Workshop Fee (Includes Lunch)

• Mechanics’ Institute Members: $150
• Non-Members: $200

Beyond the Masterclass at Mechanics' Institute: A Space for Writerly Reciprocity

The best literary circles are sustained not just by talent but by trust. This half-day retreat is designed as a meaningful opportunity to connect with fellow writers who may become part of your ongoing literary community at Mechanics’ Institute. Click here to join now!

As a Mechanics’ Institute member, you gain access to a historic library and dedicated spaces where writers’ groups can meet regularly. If you are looking for a place to continue engaging in writerly reciprocity beyond this workshop, Mechanics’ Institute provides a welcoming environment to cultivate lasting creative exchanges.

Membership includes access to a full-service library, literary events and programming, and the opportunity to form a member-led writers’ group so that relationships formed in this retreat have space to continue developing.