workshops
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| teens+
spring 2025
"With her encouraging and thoughtful demeanor, Wendy brought out the best in me as a writer, reader, and thinker."
--Noah, Chappaqua, New York
"Wendy taught me how to transform my scattered thoughts into a flowing personal narrative that spoke true to me. Between brainstorming, writing, and editing, she elevated my abilities as both a thinker and a writer while also helping me navigate this critical college application process. I am so thankful for her help in getting into my first choice school."
-Eddie Tu
Pleasantville High School
Harvard University
"Not only does Wendy instill the zest for writing, but she somehow weaves in style, grammar, structure, and composition. Wendy gave my daughter a direction, passion, confidence, and most importantly, a voice."
-Erin Sheridan
Briarcliff Manor, New York
“Wendy was instrumental in helping me focus my college essay. From the jumble of ideas that was my first draft she helped me organize my thoughts and figure out what I wanted to say and how best to say it. She never just told me what to write, she helped me figure out how to say what I wanted to say. My essay came together really well and kept a strong consistent narrative voice throughout thanks to her.”
— Julia, Masters School
Oberlin College
"Once I started actually writing- pen to paper- the words just started flowing."
-Patrick Doherty,
Wesleyan University
"Writing became FUN again! The creative mood and feeling of safety to try different types of writing and then actually share it is something I'll always be grateful to Wordcraft for."
-Ella F.
Rye Brook, N.Y.
"When I began to brainstorm [my college essay] in July, I was overwhelmed, terrified, and uninspired. After one meeting, I had a multitude of fantastic original ideas that not only displayed my college-worthy qualities, but did so with humility. I came to Wordcraft with a mosh of rough drafts and unfinished sentences and you were able to guide me to polish my misaligned sentiments into a beautiful essay."
-Mia Dillon,
Pleasantville, N.Y.
"Wendy has a way of drawing out each person in their own way, building on each person’s own strengths and talents. She has a warm and welcoming way, and creates a safe space for writers to explore any topic. She has pushed me to elevate my craft in interesting ways that have surprised me."
-- Serena Schuler
Writer, Director & Series Creator
| Makeshift Society
Lipshtick Pictures
"At the end of the workshop, I was kind of looking forward to going back to school and writing. I did not expect that."
-Jack W.
Sleepy Hollow, New York
| Adults
Women Writing Among Women
Creative Personal Narratives
Whether about motherhood or menopause, the decisions to work, stay home, change careers, or figure out what we want to do when we grown up; about being single, newlywed, or married for decades; or about life as a female (whatever that means), you will explore your experiences, thoughts, and skills in this intimate group. This workshop is a fabulous opportunity for experienced and novice writers to stretch their skills as they write about moments from their lives and tell their stories while connecting with other women. Five Thursdays + plus 1 30-min 1:1 conference (online or in person)
For: All women regardless of age or experience
Dates: 5 Thursdays | March 27, April 3, 10, 24, May 1 (no class 4/17)
Times: 7 – 8:30 pm
*1:1 sessions will be scheduled once workshop has started
Price: $480
maximum 6 writers
The Short Story
Over six weeks, we’ll explore how to write complex, believable characters, and how to tell a full story in this shorter format, including flash fiction. We’ll focus on story arc, character development, and voice, and read a few short stories along the way. Participants will share and revise their work with the goal of completing at least one story, and will be asked to give feedback to the other writers in the workshop.
| Led by lead coach Jennifer Sabin
Dates: Six Mondays | 5 Mondays | March 24, 31, April 7, 21, 28 (no class 4/14)
Times: 7pm – 8:30pm
Includes 1 30-minute 1:1 session
Cost: $550
*1:1 sessions will be scheduled once workshop has started
maximum 6 writers
Grab a coffee & write yourself into a promising day!
Happy Hour +
Writing for Joy, Creativity & Connection
Lose yourself in joyful creativity! For 1.5 hours, we'll play with characters that make you laugh, memories that bring you joy, stories that celebrate the things you love. Research shows that creativity is an antidote to anxiety. Harness that power as you fuel your creativity, explore craft and storytelling, and connect with others who choose joy.
For: All adults
Dates: 4 Wednesdays: April 2, 9, 23, 30 (no meeting, 4/16)
Times: 9:30 –11:00 am
Price: $325
maximum 6 writers
Stop Yelling about the News | Start Writing About it
Write Your Rant
Writing about Current Events
For many of us, apprehension about the future is at a tipping point. The question of how to cope with anger, frustration, and helplessness over enormous issues that we can’t control looms large. Writing can’t solve all the world’s problems, or our own. But it can help us shed light on what’s important to us and ease anxiety. Sometimes it can impact the people around us – if we share that writing publicly. Most of all, it can be therapeutic to say what we need to say, and create a record of how we live and feel in a moment in time. Participants will share their writing with the group for discussion and feedback. Wordcraft is a judgment-free zone and recognizes the importance of respectful disagreement.
| Led by lead coach (& former ABC News producer) Jennifer Sabin
For: All adults
Dates: 4 Wednesdays | March 19, 26, April 2, 9
Times: 7 - 8:30
Price: $400
Includes 1 30-minute 1:1 session, scheduled once workshop has started
maximum 6 writers
ONLINE
The Creative FLASH
Forget the caffeine! Give yourself a shot of creative energy instead. We'll move at a quick pace, leaping into creative prompts that pull us in a variety of directions. Character development and world building will be at the heart of often outrageous prompts that challenge writers play with language and see that anything is possible if the writer is daring enough to make it so. The Creative FLASH is a perfect opportunity for anyone eager to pop some creativity into their day.
For: All adults
Dates: 4 Wednesdays | March 19, 26, April 2, 9
Times: 12 –1:30 (EST)
Cost: $300
Workplace Writing | ONLINE
True Intelligence
writing, communications, confidence
The transition to the workplace after college, grad school, or time at home can be intimidating. Sharpen the written skills needed for daily communications, tighten your grasp on language, practice your storytelling & listening, see the importance of creativity and compassion, fire up your confidence. In an AI world, you need thoughtful, nuanced human skills to shine. Covered: emails, cover letters, pitches, storytelling, giving and receiving feedback, thank you's, basic expository writing
Workshop includes:
> Two, 2-hr Zoom sessions (4 hours total)
> One, 1-hr private session (online or in person)
> Resume & cover coaching & review
For: Adults entering or adjusting to the workplace
Dates: May 6 & 7
Times: 7 – 9:00 pm (EST)
Private Sessions scheduled separately
Price: $750
Good Grief
Storytelling for healing, clarity, and gratitude
Ask a group of people, "Who here is experiencing grief?" and you might be surprised by the number of people who nod their heads. As painful as it is, grief can help us shed light on what’s important to us. When we focus on the positive that whatever we've lost brought us, we can empower Gratitude, Love, and Joy to lead us forward. In this intimate workshop, we will write about moments connected to people, places, pets, disappointments, and stages of life that are the source of our grief. Participants will see the power of creativity and storytelling to ease pain and fuel joy & hope.
*Although writing can be therapeutic, this workshop is not therapy. If you are feeling despondent or hopeless, please seek support from a trained mental health provider.
For: All adults
Dates: TBA
Times:TBA
Cost:
maximum 6 writers
IN-PERSON
For Parents of Rising Seniors
College Conversations
Helping Parents Maintain Sanity During The College Application Process | 1.5 hr workshop + 1:1 session
Don't let the college process overwhelm you! It's a anxiety-provoking time for sure, but it's also an EXCITING one. In order to best support your children, you need to feel supported. Let us help. During our 1.5 hr. round-table conversation, you will connect with other parents, get informed, ask questions, share worries, learn about this crazy application and admissions process, and leave with strategies to help your child move through each part of the process with confidence, ownership, direction, excitement, and a plan. Topics will include: college visits, what makes a strong applicant, the application & admissions process, college essays, timelines, and managing your child's anxiety and expectations. Avoid the swirl of anxiety that too often comes with the process! (And keep your sanity and relationship with your child in tact!)
Click here to join the conversation
Date: April 15
Times: 7pm – 8:30 pm
Price: $110
(20-min private coaching sessions will be scheduled on an individual basis)
Space limited
Summer 2025
ADULT WRITERS FEST!
2 weeks • 6 Workshops • Immeasurable Creativity
Our second annual WRITERS FEST offers a unique variety of
2 & 3-hour in-person writing intensives. Join one, all, or any number in between, and immerse yourself in summer-inspired creativity while connecting with others.
WORKSHOPS
> Advanced Fiction
> Flash Fiction
> Writing Dysfunctional Families
> Creative Personal Storytelling
> Introduction to Creative Writing
> A Picture Tells 1,000 Words: Senior Yearbook Portraits & the Story Behind the Pose.
Dates, times, and more details will be posted by the end of March.
For the most up to date listings,
CLICK here for our mailing list &
here to follow us on Instagram.
Mad Genius Writers
A Creative Writing Weekend
In this 2-day, 6-hour intensive, writers will have a blast creating characters whose stories unfold in all sorts of ways and worlds begging to be explored! We will read excerpts from published writers, engage in short writing challenges, and look at style, grammar and editing. Risk-taking and revision will be celebrated!
Dates: April 4 & 5 | Friday & Saturday
Times: Friday, 6 - 9 | Saturday, 10-1
For: 8th – 12th grade students
Cost: $450
Private writing conferences will occur during workshop.
sophomores and juniors
The College LAUNCH | a 2-hour immersion
KICK OFF the college process with confidence, direction, and enthusiasm!
We will cover steps your child can take NOW to ensure their application captures a strong and unique candidate and that their application process is smooth, directed, and organized. A successful college process starts with information, motivation, and a plan.
Covered:
-> Introduction to application requirements
-> Steps to take NOW to identify gaps and strengthen candidacy
->Class selection & extra curriculars
-> Setting realistic timelines
-> Myths vs Realities
-> How to tackle to College Essay & Supplements
-> Maintaining a Healthy Mindset
Length: 2 hours
Cost: $150 for intensive + 10% discount on a 1:1 coaching session
Dates/Times
March 23 (Sun) | 10 – 12
summer 2025
college essays & process |
sophomores and juniors
The College LAUNCH | a 2-hour immersion
KICK OFF the college process with confidence, direction, and enthusiasm!
We will cover steps your child can take NOW to ensure their application captures a strong and unique candidate and that their application process is smooth, directed, and organized. A successful college process starts with information, motivation, and a plan.
Covered:
-> Introduction to application requirements
-> Steps to take NOW to identify gaps and strengthen candidacy
-> Class selection & extra curricular activities
-> Setting realistic timelines
-> Myths vs realities
-> How to tackle to College Essay & Supplements
-> Maintaining a Healthy Mindset
Length: 2 hours
Cost: $150 for intensive + 10% discount on a single 1:1 coaching session
Dates/Times
March 23 (Sun) | 10 – 12
The College Essay CRUSH
This two-day, six-hour college essay intensive will arm your senior with the understanding, skills and direct feedback needed to write an authentic, dazzling essay. Students will leave with solid drafts of the common app essay, a direction & a due date to send a draft to Wordcraft owner Wendy Fried for feedback/editing suggestions. Each writer will have several 1:1 conferences with their coach during the workshop. Direct instruction on how to write the essay and why it is important is part of the first day's session. Click here to learn about private coaching opportunities.
Six Offerings
Session 1
Dates: June 25& 26*
Times: 2 – 5 pm
Session 2
Dates: July 1 & 2*
Times: 5 – 8 pm
Session 3
Dates: July 30 & 31*
Times: 6 – 9 pm
Session 4
Dates: August 5 & 6*
Times: 6:00 – 9:00
Session 5
Dates: August 26 & 27*
Times: 11 – 2
Cost: $520
(6 students maximum in each)
JOIN WORKSHOP (indicate which session you are booking)
*Each participant gets one follow-up feedback/editing exchange with Wordcraft owner Wendy Fried
SENIORS
The College Essay LAB
For students who have already begun the main essay
GET IT DONE. The LAB is three hours of quiet, focused, supervised time to help your senior MOVE FORWARD. We will field questions, prioritize tasks, and have private writing conferences. Students will set goals at the beginning of the LAB and be held accountable for working towards them. Multiple 1:1 conferences will occur. This is for seniors who already have working drafts of their Common App essay, are ready to revise, and tackle supplemental essays.
Cost: $300/each lab (labs are included in all packages. Students MUST reserve a space.)
(8 students maximum in each)
Dates/Times
September 13 (Sat) | 10 – 1
September 21 (Sun) | 1 – 4
September 28 (Sun) | 10 – 1
October 11 (Sat) | 10 – 1
November 16 (Sun) | 10 – 1
JOIN LAB (indicate which date/s you are booking)
For the most up to date listings,
CLICK here for our mailing list &
Wendy has given me a sense of confidence in my writing that I never thought I could possess. She has sparked my creative side in writing I didn’t know I had
--Julia Cicale
Pleasantville, NY
"Once my youngest started Kindergarten, I knew I had to push myself to get my writing going again. Sitting on that glorious front porch or inside that cozy office quickly became the high points of my week as I got back in touch with myself as a woman, exploring through storytelling my identity, and laughing a lot as I did."
-- Amy
writer, mommy,
former lawyer trying to figure it out.
Not only does Wendy instill the zest for writing, but she somehow weaves in style, grammar, structure, and composition. Wendy gave my daughter a direction, passion, confidence, and most importantly, a voice.
-Erin Sheridan
Briarcliff Manor, New York
“Wendy was instrumental in helping me focus my college essay. From the jumble of ideas that was my first draft she helped me organize my thoughts and figure out what I wanted to say and how best to say it. She never just told me what to write, she helped me figure out how to say what I wanted to say. My essay came together really well and kept a strong consistent narrative voice throughout thanks to her.”
— Julia, Masters School
Oberlin College
"A lot of writing a successful essay is confidence. Wendy taught me that."
– Chad Frieder
Harvard University
"Wendy saved me from going crazy many times during my daughter's application process. She made me laugh and breathe and find all the positives that there are. It is a stressful time for all so it helps to have someone remind you to stay sane. I highly recommend this to everyone."
– Paula McLane
"Wendy has the unique ability to inspire creativity, build confidence and create a warm and nurturing environment for her students. She has been paramount in supporting our daughter through the college essay process, guiding her to find her own voice and story. With her extensive (college application process) expertise she was able to quickly eliminate the application stress and replace it with a clear plan and timetable for the process. Both workshop and one-on-one meetings proved to have the perfect balance of encouragement and honest feedback."
–Elizabeth
Pleasantville, NY
"I was pretty annoyed when my mom signed me up for a Writer's Workout in the middle of the summer, but I had so much fun and learned grammar rules I had never heard about before. My writing got stronger little by little. It was cool when I started to prep for the SATs and realized that I knew a lot of the rules already because of my Wordcraft workshop."
-Daniel W,
Chappaqua, N.Y.
"I was really nervous and quiet on the first day! By the middle of the week, I didn't want the workshop to ever end. I took creative writing, which focused on character development and storytelling, but the skills I learned helped me with all my writing once school started."
-Sarah L.
Ossining, New York
Fall 2025
Writers Workout
Have an intense and fun writing workout each day. This week is for teens who want to work on the craft of writing and return to school with stronger skills, confidence, and writing sophistication. We will engage in a variety of short writing challenges to condition and strengthen overall writing and thinking. Editing skills and grammar rules will be taught.
Dates: August 18 – 22
Times: 5 – 6:30
For: 8th – 11th grade students
Cost: $375
Mad Genius Writers
A two-day Creative Writing Immersion
In this 2-day, 6-hour intensive, writers will have a blast creating characters whose stories unfold in all sorts of ways and worlds begging to be explored! We will read excerpts from published writers, engage in short writing challenges, and look at style, grammar and editing. Risk-taking and revision will be celebrated!
Dates: August 26 & 27
Times: 5 – 8 pm
For: 8th – 12th grade students
Cost: $450
*Private writing conferences will occur during workshop
The College Essay CRUSH
This two-day, six-hour college essay intensive will arm your senior with the understanding, skills and direct feedback needed to write an authentic, dazzling essay. Students will leave with solid drafts of the common app essay, a direction & a due date to send a draft to Wordcraft owner Wendy Fried for feedback/editing suggestions. Each writer will have several 1:1 conferences with their coach during the workshop. Direct instruction on how to write the essay and why it is important is part of the first day's session. Click here to learn about private coaching opportunities.
Six Offerings
Session 1
Dates: June 25 & 26*
Times: 2 – 5 pm
Session 2
Dates: July 1 & 2*
Times: 6 – 9 pm
Session 3
Dates: July 30 & 31*
Times: 6 – 9 pm
Session 4
Dates: August 5 & 6*
Times: 6 – 9 pm
Session 5
Dates: August 26 & 27*
Times: 11 – 2
Cost: $520
(6 students maximum in each)
JOIN WORKSHOP (indicate which session you are booking)
*Each participant gets one follow-up feedback/editing exchange with Wordcraft owner Wendy Fried
spring 2025
a look back at
SUMMER 2024
Creative Writing
Create characters whose stories unfold in all sorts of ways and worlds begging to be explored! In this week-long intensive, writers will build and practice the skills needed to create strong, interesting characters whose stories are bursting to be told. We will read excerpts from published writers, engage in short writing challenges, and look at style, grammar and editing. Risk-taking and revision will be celebrated!
Writer's Workout
Have an intense and fun writing workout each day. This week is for teens who want to work on the craft of writing. We will engage in a variety of short activities in order to condition and strengthen overall writing skills. From personal narratives to reader response to editorials to film reviews to persuasive arguments, an assortment of writing challenges will give writers the chance to hone their writing and thinking. Editing skills and grammar rules will be taught.
Creative Personal Narratives
Personal narratives are a lot of fun to write because they are about YOU. Personal narratives combine essay with creative writing. The result is poignant, vibrant, fun, introspective writing. Finding each writer's unique voice and helping them discover the larger impact of chosen moments is one of several goals. Because college essays are personal narratives, this is an excellent workshop to take prior to one's senior summer in order to develop voice and the comfort needed to explore and write about oneself.
On-Demand Writing
Return to school this fall ready for all that on-demand writing. Learn and practice the skills and strategies needed to tackle any piece of on-demand writing with confidence. Whether it's the SAT, ACT, in-class essay, or plain-old homework, your child should feel at ease and in control when sitting down to write.
Young Writers
MYSTERY at the Marmaduke
We'll bring the CREATIVE back to writing as we write mysteries. A variety of writing prompts will give writers the opportunity to explore story, character and language. We will also read excerpts from mysteries and discuss how authors create mood, develop character, and move a story forward. In true workshop style, writers will share their work and offer constructive feedback. We'll also work on specific grammar rules and organizational strategies. Having fun is a priority!
Young Writers
Reading as Writers
for kids who love to READ
Reading as a writer increases students' attention to detail, craft, character development, and language use. Students who read as writers tend to increase their reading comprehension because they are less likely to read only for plot. We'll shine a spotlight on the writer's craft as we read and discuss a short story each day, and then tackle creative writing prompts that force us to appreciate the magic that writers have created. Students will explore their thoughts and voices as they look closely at how writers explored theirs.
Rising Seniors
The College Essay CRUSH
This two-day, six-hour college essay intensive will arm your senior with the skills and direct feedback needed to write an authentic, dazzling essay. Students will leave with solid drafts of the common app essay and an understanding of what they need to do in order to confidently hit SUBMIT. Show those colleges who you are. #Crushtheessay Click here to learn about private coaching opportunities.
Six Offerings
ADULTS
Ages 21+
Writing Dysfunctional Families
For adult children of alcoholics and other addictions, and the spouses of alcoholics and other addictions
Those who have lived in a house framed by substance abuse share many experiences which can run from the traumatic to the ridiculous. We carry compelling stories, and putting those stories to paper can be both therapeutic and revealing. Whether you’re exploring your stories for the first time, or working on a novel, play, memoir, or essay collection, this workshop will help you do so in a compassionate, creative environment. Please note: This workshop is not taught by a psychotherapist, but by a writer and educator who is the adult child of an alcoholic. All genres of writing are welcome.