FAQ: Attic Atheneum

FAQ about the Attic Atheneum

One-on-one attention to your work with a community to last a lifetime.

Q: It’s called a master writing program. Is it an MFA program?

A: No. The Attic Atheneum is an independent, non-accredited, non-affiliated certificate program of the Attic Writers’ Workshop.

Q: How many students are admitted?

A: At most, a dozen. The Atheneum class includes no more than 4 fiction writers, 4 non-fiction writers, and 4 poets.

Q: What does it mean, Atheneum Class?

A: The writers admitted into the Attic Atheneum constitute a community for that year of study. The aim of forming an annual “class” is to seed a literary community within the Atheneum and also, looking beyond the Atheneum year, in the greater Portland area. It's important for applicants to understand the Atheneum includes both individual study and Atheneum Receptions.

The first class admitted will be the Attic Atheneum class of 2011. The following year, the Attic Atheneum class of 2012 will form. And so on. Upon completion of the certificate year, the class of 2011 will become Atheneum Alumni, and the goal is that, over time, both the current Atheneum class and the Atheneum alumni will participate in literary activities together. During the 11-month course of study, the Atheneum class will meet four times a year for the Atheneum Receptions and books discussion. Also, each genre team (fiction, non-fiction, poetry) will meet four times a year with their fellow genre-mates and faculty.

Q: What is the ratio of faculty to student?

A: 1 to 2. There will be two faculty in each genre and no more than four students in each genre. The Atheneum community includes a maximum of 18 members each year (six faculty, twelve students). Students will study one semester with one faculty member and then switch to study the second semester with the other faculty member. Both faculty members will participate in the quarterly team meetings. All Atheneum faculty will participate in the quarterly Atheneum Receptions.

Q: How does the individual study work?

A: Each month, students submit work by e-mail to a mentor. Later that month, the two sit down or speak by phone to discuss the manuscript. Discussion areas include one-on-one attention to the specific manuscript, assigned readings, and publication leads.

Q: What are Atheneum Receptions?

A: The Atheneum Receptions include faculty, students, and invited guests who meet to enjoy good food and engaging conversation based on the Atheneum readings assigned to the community for that reception. There will be four receptions per year.

The readings are designed to stimulate conversation about artistic ambition and experience, the imagination, culture, philosophical and political thought, scientific inquiry, history, religion, and other areas of intellectual and aesthetic interest.

Some Atheneum Receptions will include inviting individuals to join the reception, including writers, artists, agents, publishers, editors, Atheneum alumni, or others who can contribute to the discussion and experience.

Q: What are Team Meetings?

A: Team meetings include the two faculty in each genre and the students in that genre. There are four meetings during the year, and the meetings run 1-2 hours.

Q: How much does it cost to apply?

A: $15. 

Q: What if I have more questions?

A: We'd love to talk to you. E-mail us. If you don't hear back in 24 hours, please re-send it. We want to make sure we don't miss anything.

Q: If accepted, how much does the program cost?

A: The cost for the 11-month certificate program is $2970, if paid in advance. For those who are unable to pay in advance, we offer two other payment plans at the following rate. Full payment made in two payments = $3120. Full payment made in three payments = $3270.

Included in these totals is a $400 deposit to secure your spot in the Atheneum.

Q: What is the deadline for nominations?

A: TBA for April 2011.