Apart, and Yet a Part: A Workshop with Writing Coach Michael N. McGregor

Michael N. McGregor, MFA: writing coach
Professor Emeritus, Department of English, Portland State University

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 a professional 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, consult with a writing coach, write, chat with your neighbor, browse the library. Residents will gather in the late afternoon for a reception, common meal, and informal evening sessions which may include conversations about publishing, meeting with local artists, and visits to the Saint John’s Abbey Church and the Saint John’s Bible—the first illuminated Bible in 500 years. The program is open to advanced writers—essayists, historians, fiction writers, poets, memoirists—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 taken into consideration.

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. Participants may share apartment space, though each person will be assigned a private bedroom. The program is limited to 12 participants.

One of Michael’s greatest gifts this week has been his generosity and hospitality in not only giving feedback on work, but in giving his attention and presence, and yes, mentorship, in contemplating what it means practically and otherwise, to live and pursue and sustain the life of a writer.

–participant in “Apart, and Yet a Part: A Week with Writing Coach Michael N. McGregor,” Summer 2015

Application Process:

The application deadline for this workshop has now passed.