The Writer's Studio: Creative Writing Certificate
Every writer needs the right tools, techniques and support to develop their work. The Writer’s Studio part-time creative writing program is designed for writers who are ready to immerse themselves in a manuscript. You’ll join a supportive community as you master your craft and establish a sustainable writing practice.
Overview
Why this program?
Striking a balance between a formal, full-time MFA (master of fine arts) and individual writing courses, the Writer’s Studio offers training in the theory, craft and business of writing. As you work towards your Creative Writing Certificate from SFU, you’ll benefit from:
- One-on-one mentorship from experienced, published authors
- Small workshop groups focused on specific genres
- A high ratio of instructional hours per tuition dollar
- Support in completing your manuscript
- Practice in giving public readings
- SFU alumnus status and benefits upon program completion
JJ Lee
Creative Non-Fiction
Claudia Casper
Literary and Speculative Fiction
Leanne Dunic
Fiction and Hybrid Forms
Kevin Spenst
Poetry
Format
Part-time
Location
Vancouver or online
Program completion
10 months
To graduate, pass all courses and submit a final portfolio.
Program dates
- Jan-Dec 2025: online
- Sept 2025-June 2026: online
- Sep 2024–Jun 2025 online
Learning methods
- Mentor-led group workshops
- Courses (see list below)
- One-on-one mentor consultations
- Mentor readings and talks
- Guest author panels
- Practice in delivering public readings
Schedule
- Weekly course modules (about 3 hours of course work)
- 2 workshops/month (2.5 hours each)
- 3 mentor meetings (1 hour each)
- Other weekly sessions (3 hours each)
View Jan 2025 program schedule
View Sep 2024 program schedule
Courses
Required courses:
- Workshops (TWS301–TWS306)
- The Practice of Writing (TWS520)
- The Craft of Writing (TWS530)
- The Business of Writing (TWS540)
Learning materials
Required textbook:
Chesham, A. and Farina, L. (Eds.) Resonance: Essays on the Craft and Life of Writing. Anvil Press, 2022. ISBN 978-1-77214-184-9.
Available from the publisher or your local bookstore.
Cost
$5,500
$75 program application fee
Scholarships
- Writing Mom Scholarship: $2,000
Open to mothers with children under 18 (scholarship is trans-inclusive) - Emerging Writer Scholarship: $2,000
Open to all applicants
To be considered, add a second page to your program application letter that explains how the scholarship would help you.
Application info
Want to get published?
GET FEATURED IN OUR ANTHOLOGY
As a Writer’s Studio student, you’ll see your work published in our annual anthology, emerge, which is launched each year at the Vancouver Writers Festival.
JOIN SUCCESSFUL ALUMNI
Graduates of the Writer’s Studio have gone on to publish their work and earn recognition in regional and national awards and competitions.
REGISTER FOR COURSES
Not ready for a full program? Take individual writing courses, available throughout the year.
GET WRITING FEEDBACK
Book a consultation on your manuscript with a member of our writing community.
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It took six years for Loghan Paylor to complete their epic first novel and only six weeks for a publisher to snap it up.
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With her debut book for middle-graders, Kim Spencer has authored both a B.C. bestseller and a four-time award winner.
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One of the Writer’s Studio’s most active graduates, writer and artist Candie Tanaka remains dedicated to bringing the writing community together.
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