Business Details
36 Years
experience
Online Creative Writing Courses & Retreats
Founded in 1990 by award-winning writer Elizabeth Ayres, the Elizabeth Ayres Center For Creative Writing has spent 34 years cultivating a global community dedicated to helping writers at all levels develop their craft. Our mission centers on fostering creativity, providing accessible education, and building supportive networks where writers thrive. With a team of five published authors and experienced educators, we offer small, interactive online courses designed to bridge solitary creation with communal validation. Our virtual retreats create immersive experiences that energize writers through expert guidance and peer connections.We prioritize affordability and inclusivity, ensuring our programs remain accessible to aspiring writers regardless of background. Our strengths-focused approach emphasizes individual creative processes while teaching technical skills across genres. Over decades, we've evolved from in-person workshops to digital platforms while maintaining reverence for self-expression. Today, we continue expanding our offerings through virtual generative sessions, private manuscript guidance, and community-building initiatives that reflect our commitment to nurturing writers' journeys from initial inspiration to published works.
Services
Online Writing Courses
Virtual Writing Retreats
Private Writing Guidance
Generative Writing Sessions
Writing Exchanges
Bookings Assistance
Writing Community Access
Writing Prompts
Craft Conversations
Author Q&As
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- We offer 34 years of proven expertise in creative writing instruction
- Our small, interactive courses ensure personalized attention
- Five published authors lead programs grounded in practical experience
- Virtual retreats combine immersive learning with flexible access
- Community-focused approach prioritizes support over competition
What people say
Supportive community
Experienced instructors
Transformative experiences
Practical skill development
Renewed creativity
Services
Online Writing Courses
Our six-week online courses combine technical instruction with creative exploration across genres. Small class sizes ensure personalized feedback while community forums foster peer connections. Programs cater to beginners through advanced writers seeking publication readiness.
Virtual Writing Retreats
Immersive weekend retreats offer structured writing time with expert guidance and peer support. Virtual format provides accessibility while maintaining transformative experiences. Sessions include genre-specific instruction and individual goal planning.
Private Writing Guidance
One-on-one sessions with published authors help refine manuscripts and submission materials. Services include editing, structural feedback, and publication strategy tailored to individual projects. Available for poetry, fiction, and nonfiction works.
Generative Writing Sessions
Structured sessions provide writing prompts and feedback loops to maintain creative momentum. Designed for writers with established practices seeking accountability. Includes weekly check-ins and progress tracking.
Bookings Assistance
Six-week programs guide authors through publishing short manuscripts. Instruction covers formatting, platform selection, and distribution strategies. Includes technical support for digital publication across major retail platforms.
People
Stacia Fleegal
Director
Award-winning writer and educator with extensive experience in creative nonfiction. Succeeded founder Elizabeth Ayres in 2017, expanding online offerings while maintaining core mission values. Published author of multiple works.
Helena Clare Pittman
Writing Instructor
Published author and experienced educator specializing in creative process development. Contributes to curriculum design and leads workshops focused on personal narrative and memoir writing techniques.
Teneice Durrant
Writing Instructor
Experienced writing coach with expertise in poetry and cross-genre experimentation. Facilitates courses exploring sensory detail development and literary device application across fiction and nonfiction formats.
Jennifer Steil
Writing Instructor
Award-winning novelist and memoirist providing instruction in narrative structure and character development. Specializes in helping writers transition between genres and refine manuscript drafts for publication.
Shawna Ayoub
Writing Instructor
Creative nonfiction specialist with focus on personal essay development and trauma-informed writing practices. Teaches courses connecting emotional authenticity with technical writing skills for emerging authors.
Questions
What writing experience levels do you accommodate?
We welcome all levels from beginners exploring writing for the first time to experienced authors seeking publication. Courses include foundational through advanced content.
Are courses conducted live or self-paced?
Our six-week sessions combine scheduled live interactions with flexible writing time. Most activities accommodate varied time zones through asynchronous participation options.
Do you offer manuscript review services?
Yes, private writing guidance includes manuscript evaluation and editing services with published authors specializing in your genre. Sessions available in six-week packages.
How do virtual retreats work?
Virtual retreats use online platforms for live workshops, writing sprints, and peer feedback. Participants receive structured schedules balancing guided instruction with independent writing time.
What community features are available?
Our Substack community offers weekly prompts, author interviews, and peer discussions. Course participants also access dedicated forums for ongoing writing support connections.
