Apart, and Yet A Part

Ingredients for a productive writing experience: a room with a view, meals provided, the opportunity to structure your writing time as you wish, and access to an award-winning writing coach. This program is designed to give participants maximum time and freedom for writing. Mornings and afternoons are yours to structure as you wish. Write, have breakfast, write, take a walk, meet with your writing coach, write, chat with your neighbor, visit the Saint John’s Abbey Church or The Saint John’s Bible—the first illuminated Bible in 500 years. In the evening, we’ll gather for a common meal and informal sessions, including conversations about important topics related to writing and publishing.

The program is open to advanced writers—essayists, memoirists, fiction writers, poets, historians—whose work involves matters of faith and aims to reach a broad reading audience. Participants who show a record of previous publications or past publishing experience will be given priority.

Due to COVID precautions, workshop participants are asked to be fully vaccinated and may be required to take a day-of test before traveling to the workshop. 

The Collegeville Institute will cover travel expenses to and from the workshop within the continental United States, all workshop fees, and room and board. International travel costs, and travel from Hawaii and Alaska may be shared between the Collegeville Institute and the workshop participant. Those who join the workshop will be expected to reside at the Collegeville Institute throughout the entire term.

Michael N. McGregor, MFA, is professor emeritus, Creative Writing and English, from Portland State University. He is the author of Pure Act, The Last Grand Tour, and An Island to Myself: The Place of Solitude in an Active Life.

I have been in a lot of writing workshops and worked with a lot of mentors over the years – Michael is absolutely one of the best.

–Apart, and Yet a Part participant

Application Process:

A completed application includes an application form, resume, and a writing sample up to 2,000 words. Applications are due Monday, January 20, 2025. Apply here.