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Writers Institute

Discover your voice and craft your literary future within our vibrant, tradition-rich community.

The Writers Institute: Your Creative Hub

Nestled in the heart of Susquehanna University, the Writers Institute transcends the typical academic space.

It’s a dynamic, thriving community where aspiring writers discover and refine their voices. Rooted in a rich 30-year tradition of nurturing emerging talent, and conceived by Professor Emeritus Gary Fincke, the Institute fosters a stimulating environment for creative exploration and profound growth.

Susquehanna’s Writers Institute is dedicated to fostering a robust and supportive writing community through a diverse array of enriching programs and impactful events. Our goal is to empower students not only to master the craft of writing, but to confidently forge impactful and imaginative creative lives, leaving a lasting mark on the literary landscape.

Cultivating Creativity

What We Offer

Bookshelves filled with a variety of books in colorful covers invite you into a world of creative writing. The dark wood shelves hold stories positioned vertically and stacked horizontally, evoking the charm of an inspiring library or bookstore setting.

A Dedicated Space

The Writers Institute building serves as the central hub for our literary community, blending classroom work with real-world creative experiences.

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Seavey Reading Series

Engage with established authors and poets, gaining invaluable insights into the craft.

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Students sitting in a classroom, focused on writing in notebooks. Some have books open, and others are wearing casual clothing such as hoodies. They are seated in rows at desks, with a whiteboard visible in the background.

Senior Reading Series

Celebrate the culmination of student work in public readings.

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A table displays several copies of "RiverCraft" magazine, a standout in student publications. The cover features a person with braided hair surrounded by orange fish, while other books and decorative items create a vibrant backdrop.

Literary Journals

Contribute to and engage with student-run publications like Rivercraft, Essay, Sanctuary, Flagship and the Squirrel.

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Slam Poetry

Unleash your voice and perform your work in a dynamic and supportive environment.

A young person with glasses and a red lanyard sits at a desk, engrossed in writing notes in a notebook. Holding a phone to their ear, they channel the focus of The Quill. A laptop with an open document sits nearby, while chairs linger in the background.

FUSE (Forum for Undergraduate Student Editors)

Join a national network of student editors, exploring the world of publishing and literary journals.

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A person with long blonde hair is sitting on a chair, looking at papers on a table. The table has open notebooks and books. The person is wearing a blue shirt and jeans, with their focus on the documents in their hand.

Scholarships & Awards

Creative writing students gain access to countless opportunities at Susquehanna, including scholarships to further their academic experiences. Scholarships and awards for current students include the Gary and Elizabeth Fincke Portfolio Prize, Juliet Gibson Memorial Prize, Kirkland Essay Prize, Janet C. Weis Prize for Literary Excellence and Fine Arts Work Center Scholarships.

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High School Students

Susquehanna University’s Writers Institute offers a variety of enriching opportunities for high school writers, including the chance to publish work in the Apprentice Writer literary magazine, which showcases the best high school writing and art from across the globe. Students can also receive feedback on their writing at Creative Writing Day, pursue a creative writing major with scholarship opportunities, attend a Summer Writers Workshop and stay informed about Writers Institute events through a dedicated mailing list.

Creative Writing Day
Apprentice Writer
Summer Writers Workshop
Janet Weis Creative Writing Scholarships
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Celebrating Our LEgacy

For three decades, the Writers Institute has launched the careers of countless successful alumni, including Pulitzer Prize-winning editors and acclaimed poets. We are committed to building upon this distinguished legacy, providing students with the tools, support and opportunities they need to succeed.

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Join Our Community

The Writers Institute is far more than a program — it’s a nurturing home for writers. We warmly invite you to explore our diverse offerings and become part of our inspiring community.

Questions about programs and opportunities? Email us at writersinstitute@susqu.edu.

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Two people are seated at a table, focused on writing in notebooks. The person in front wears glasses and a floral dress, while the person in the back wears a yellow shirt. Both have pens and there are balloons in the background.

Academics At Susquehanna

Programs Related to the Writers Institute

A person in a blue shirt, immersed in the art of creative writing, speaks at a podium with a microphone, smiling. Behind them, a vibrant balloon arch of orange, yellow, and white bursts with color. In the background, "Est. 2024" is inscribed on a whiteboard as eager audience members listen intently.

Creative Writing

In joining the creative writing major at the Writers Institute, you become a part of both an artistic program and a literary community that the Princeton Review has called “top-notch.”

Students in a classroom sit at computers. A red-haired student in a gray sweater casually leans back in their chair, holding a phone. The screens display text and images. Other students are engaged in tasks, while an instructor stands nearby.

Publishing & Editing

Whether you dream of working at a digital outlet, traditional publishing house, indie magazine or scholarly journal, Susquehanna University can help you craft your ideal career.

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English Literature

You won’t just examine the masters of language, you’ll learn to master language yourself. If you’re fascinated by word choice and want to strengthen yours, studying English literature at Susquehanna University is the smart choice.