Join our mailing list

Get updates on writing, workshops, events, & other literary to-dos.

The Attic Experience

"I have just finished taking the Generating Genre class, and have signed up for the same class next term. I cannot speak highly enough of it. The teacher is supportive, friendly, and non-judgmental, and makes excellent suggestions for how to work and what might be improved in a piece, without being directive or dictatorial--I was impressed with the ability to find genuine strengths in student work. Both of these skills are rare and must be prized. I would like to add that I find the whole Attic experience to be convivial and open (this was my first class). I moved to Portland a year ago from Minneapolis, where I had taken a couple of courses at The Loft. It is amusing to "contrast and compare" the differences between the two organizations with similar names, and very different identities. The Loft, as you probably know, is made of a very large group, has its own building; houses a press, a thriving book arts community and gift store, and a gallery. It is modern and airy, humming with activity. The Attic, of course, is very different, quiet and much more approachable. So I am very grateful for the opportunity to participate at The Attic."

Amy Briggs

Order a signed copy

Based on methods developed exclusively at the Attic by founder and director David Biespiel, Every Writer Has a Thousand Faces cracks open the creative process and challenges traditional assumptions about writing that can stifle creativity. Both beginning and experienced writers—as well as artists, musicians, dancers, and anyone else on a creative path—will benefit from this elegant, surprising, and fresh perspective. An essential book for any writer's library.

Learn more / Read an excerpt / Order a signed copy

We offer academic graduate credit for teachers...for all of our classes

Join the "Write Now!" workshop for educators and earn graduate academic credit from Western Oregon University (and/or PDUs)

Learn to write freely in our "Write Now!" workshop. Free of consequences and free of daily concerns except to nurture your creative life.

Current Classes


FALL: Children's Book Writing Workshop: Write that Picturebook! (Wednesdays)
FALL: Creative Non-Fiction Workshop A: Writing the Classical Essay (Tuesdays)
FALL: Creative Non-Fiction Workshop B: Writing the Classical Essay (Mondays)
FALL: Creative Non-Fiction Workshop C: The Art of Telling Stories That Happen To Be True (Wednesdays)
FALL: Creative Non-Fiction Workshop D: The Art of Telling Stories That Happen To Be True (Wednesdays)
FALL: Erotica Workshop: Erotic, Realistic, or Sizzling (Mondays)
FALL: Fiction Workshop: Novel-in-Progress (Tuesdays)
FALL: Fiction Workshop: Short Stories (Tuesdays)
FALL: Fiction Workshop: The Long Story (Thursdays)
FALL: Life Sketches Workshop A: Write. Share. Preserve. For individuals 55-over only (Wednesdays)
FALL: Life Sketches: Snapshots / Sunday
FALL: Life Sketches: Snapshots / Wednesday
FALL: Magazine Writing Workshop: Write Those Queries! (Wednesdays)
FALL: Memoir Master Class Weekend with Ariel Gore (Fri-Sun)
FALL: Memoir Workshop: The Language of Your Life A.M. (Thursdays)
FALL: Memoir Workshop: These Are the Good Old Days (Mondays)
FALL: Narrative Workshop: Writing the Lives of Girls and Women (Thursdays)
FALL: Online Workshop: Story Structure / 10-Week Class with Marc Acito
FALL: Poetry Workshop: Power & Play of Discovery (Thursdays)
FALL: Screenwriting Workshop: Writing for the Screen (Tuesdays)
FALL: Time to Write: Direction, Time & Inspiration (Saturdays)
FALL: Write Now! Creative Writing Renewal for Teachers (Thursdays)

"Life Sketches" Workshops

For individuals 55-over who want to write the essential stories of your life. Experience the pleasure of writing your personal stories, sharing them with peers, and preserving them in print. It's a life-changing experience brought to the page. Life Sketches is the story of your life -- one book at a time.

Learn more

The Attic Atheneum

A groundbreaking alternative to the traditional and low-residency MFA, the Attic Atheneum is an 11-month certificate program that melds independent study under close faculty supervision, student receptions, genre meetings, public readings, and other special events created around good food and dynamic conversation, dialogue, and literary community. Applications accepted between March 1 - April 30.

Primary links