About the Program
The Sacramento Writers’ Workshop is an intensive manuscript
development program for aspiring short story writers, memoirists,
and novelists. After submitting a manuscript, accepted
participants will have their unpublished writing thoroughly
reviewed by peers and an experienced instructor. Each
manuscript will be workshopped for approximately one hour, and
individual consultations will be available afterward upon request
(especially for those participants who wish to publish their
work).
A typical workshop will begin with the instructor and
participants describing what the story meant, what worked
especially well, and what might be improved. A focused discussion
of the manuscript in terms of structure, character, and language
will follow. Finally, the author of the manuscript will have an
opportunity to ask clarifying questions at the end of the
discussion. Praise will be generous, and criticism will be
respectful.
The 2022 Sacramento Writers’ Workshop will focus on advanced
and intermediate fiction and memoir, though writers of all
levels are encouraged to apply. While this program is
intended for adults (age 18 and over), ambitious high school
seniors are welcome to apply.
About the Instructor
Jason Hinojosa is the author of numerous
award-winning short stories and two novels, The
Last Lawsons and The Conception of Zachary
Muse. He earned his MFA in fiction at the Iowa Writers’
Workshop, studying with Marilynne Robinson, Margot Livesey, and
others. His fiction focuses primarily on themes of family, time,
sexuality, place, and perspective. Jason has taught
literature and creative writing courses at various levels
including university, continuing education, high school, and
middle school programs. He currently teaches at Sacramento
Country Day School and serves as the English Department
Chair.
Session Dates
July 18-29, 2022 – Monday, Wednesday, Friday
from 6:00-8:00 p.m.
The Workshop will meet for two weeks, three meetings per
week, two hours per meeting. The first Workshop meeting will
feature lectures on craft and establish the norms of the program.
The second meeting will be the first manuscript review.
Appropriate COVID-19 health and safety protocols will be
observed.
Course Materials
Participants should have annotated manuscripts and response
letters prepared before discussions. A notepad or laptop will be
required for participation.
Costs
The cost of the program is $515.
Need-based financial aid is available; please inquire
here.
Workshop fees must be paid by credit card at this time. Payment
will be requested after your manuscript has been reviewed and you
have been formally accepted into the program.
Workshop fees are non-refundable, except in that case that the
minimum enrollment for the class is not met, and the class is
canceled.
Info for Accepted Participants
Every accepted program participant is strongly encouraged to read
each manuscript twice. First, read through the manuscript as if
you were reading a published work in a newspaper, magazine, or
online journal. Second, read and annotate the manuscript with
your comments and questions.
Every participant must then write a short response letter to be
ready on the day that the manuscript is being workshopped. The
workshop letter is not only an opportunity to provide feedback to
your fellow participant; it is also an opportunity for you to
articulate and refine your own understanding of the many
interconnected elements of effective writing.
Thoughtful, respectful, and detailed feedback is expected. Please
be judicious with your criticism and generous with your praise.
Questions
Questions regarding the details of this program may be
directed to
Jason Hinojosa.
