15 New York Writing Resources
Posted by David Duhr in 
One of the famed Sidewalks of New York (photo credit: Duhr)
Up next in our State Writing Resources series is the Empire State, New York, the 11th state admitted to the Union (July 26, 1788). Didja know that the Albany area already had European settlers when the Pilgrims stepped onto (the probably imaginary) Plymouth Rock? So why do the Pilgrims get so much fking hype? New York State is 27th in area, 3rd in population (19,651,127 19,651,129), &c. &c., history lesson over.
In past resource posts we’ve given a quick rundown of some of the featured state’s most renowned authors, but these two pages alone offer nearly 1,800 New York writers. Hell, you need to give Flavorwire 100 clicks just to reach the end of their list of the “most important” living writers in NYC.
i.e., DIY.
We thought of splitting this into two posts, State of New York writing resources and City of New York writing resources, but gee whiz, doesn’t New York City already get enough special treatment? And also, I don’t get paid extra for double duty. So yes, many of these are based in New York City. Some are not.
(N.B. I looked up “gee whiz” to see if the standard spelling is “whiz” or “wiz,” and I found this gem: “comparative more gee whiz, superlative most gee whiz”)
(I think “the most gee whiz” should be “the gee whizziest.” To whom do I speak about making this change?)
Anywho, let’s get to the good stuff. Presented in no particular order, here are fifteen New York writing resources, from conferences to local critique groups to literary magazines. If you are an Empire Stater, or are planning to become one, these are some organizations you might want to take a peek at.
(And don’t forget, WriteByNight is now a New York writing resource, technically, though as you know we work with writers worldwide. #1 in your hearts, #16 on this list. Maybe next year we’ll crack it.)
The only nonprofit in the U.S. dedicated solely to fiction, it offers innovative panels, lectures and conversations at its location on East 47th in Manhattan. The Center for Fiction also offers workspace, grants and classes to support emerging writers, reading groups on classic and contemporary authors, and programs to help get kids reading.
2) Asian American Writers’ Workshop
A nonprofit devoted to the creating and publishing of creative writing by Asian Americans. Workshops, reading series, magazines and more. (NYC)
3) Syracuse Veterans’ Writing Group
A writing group hosted by Syracuse U. and open to all veterans interested in working on nonfiction about their lives in and out of the military.
4) Poets House
A 50,000-volume poetry library in New York City. It also offers poetry events and poetry workshops, as well as membership.
One of the more popular artists’ colonies, the Millay offers one-month residencies to visual artists, composers and writers. Residents get private rooms, studios and all meals during their stay. Located along the NY/MA border southeast of Albany.
A non degree-granting private school based in Greenwich Village offering craft classes, workshops and a popular reading series.
7) Yaddo
Yaddo is an artists’ community located on a 400-acre estate in Saratoga Springs. Its mission is to nurture the creative process by providing an opportunity for artists to work without interruption in a supportive environment.
Offers readings and panel discussions from some of the world’s best-known writers, as well as workshops, lit classes and much more. (NYC)
9) YMCA Downtown Writing Center
The downtown in question is Syracuse, and this organization labels itself the “only community center for the literary arts” in Central New York. Workshops, readings, awards, etc.
10) Paris Review
One of the most prominent literary magazines in existence. New fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction and arguably the best interview series in all of literature.
11) Just Buffalo Literary Center
Events, readings, workshops for youngsters and a whole lot more, smack dab in downtown Buffalo.
12) Writers’ Conference at Hunter College
Features panels comprised of some of the top writers in the nation, as well as intensive writing classes. (NYC)
13) New York State Writers Institute
Housed at the U. of Albany, the Institute provides multi-genre workshops for young and old, reading series, writing contests/awards, a litmag and much more.
14) One Story
A litmag featuring one short story mailed to subscribers every three weeks, allowing readers to experience each story as a standalone work. (NYC)
15) Melville House
One of our favorite independent publishers. They run a bookstore out of their Brooklyn office (not just for their own books) and host plenty of cool events there. And check out MobyLives, Melville House’s excellent (and Amazon-bashing) book blog.
(Photo credit: Duhr)
Help us add to this list, New Yorkers! Do you run a local writing group or a lit journal we should be aware of? Feel free to share info and links in the comments section below.