Masha teaching a workshop,
New York City, 2009
“The wisdom and energy Masha Hamilton brings to teaching the art of writing a novel are nothing short of inspirational. ”
– JOSHUA KORNREICH

Writing Workshops

Masha has been teaching since 2002 in live and online seminars as well as one-on-one workshops in creative/fiction/novel writing and journalism. She has taught graduate, university and continuing education writers. She has developed curricula for online and live writing classes. For the journalism workshop, she has taught both working reporters and journalism students.

Workshops locations and affiliations include: University of Southern Maine (Stonecoast MFA); Kabul University, Afghanistan; University of Richmond, VA; Gotham Writers' Workshop, New York City; Pima College Writer's Workshop, Tucson, AZ; University of Michigan Writers Workshop, Ann Arbor, MI; Willamette Writers; and 92nd Street Y, New York City.

Online Writing Classes

  • Stirring the Pot »10 weeks
    Stirring the Pot: Turn Your Life Into Fiction
    We all have stories, be they comic or tragic, brief dramatic encounters or life-altering events that unfolded over months. The stories most likely to move your readers to laughter or tears come directly from the heart and feel authentic, often stemming from personal experiences. This ten-week workshop explores how to incorporate our own lives into fiction while moving beyond journaling. Examining everything from short-shorts to novel excerpts, we will mold our life material to write more meaningful fiction. The workshop includes lectures, exercises, freewrites and critiques of your work. Class size limited.
    Learn more and register
    Email with questions
  • Writing the Forbidden »10 weeks
    Writing The Forbidden:
    Going to Secret Places to Fuel your Fiction
    Everyone has secrets, be they personal, family, or the hushed confidences whispered by a friend. Sometimes these involve untouchable events you try to avoid considering; sometimes they are moments you cannot for a second forget. Fiction is a valuable tool for exploring those deeper, sometimes darker, human truths. In this ten-week workshop, we examine everything from short-shorts to novel excerpts as we explore how to use emotion but not melodrama to shape forbidden moments into meaningful fiction. The workshop includes lectures, exercises, freewrites and critiques of your work. Class size limited.
    Email with questions or to enroll
  • Creating Inspired Characters »4 weeks
    Creating Inspired Characters
    Characters are the lifeblood of our stories. Without strong characters, it is virtually impossible to find a publisher or hook your readers. In this four-week workshop, we explore the three C's of creating character, as well as how and why to make your good guys bad and your bad guys good. We'll look at voice, appearance, inner monologue and action as ways to bring your story people fully to life. Class size limited.
    Email with questions or to enroll
  • Private Manuscript Consultation »
    Private Manuscript Consultation
    Have a novel manuscript almost ready to go? In this market, it's more important than ever that it be in the best shape possible. Masha does private critiques of novels, beginning at $800.
    Email with questions or to enroll
Masha teaching at Kabul University
in 2008

Student Success

Students who have published include: