Michael N. McGregor, MFA: writing coach
Professor, Department of English, Portland State University
Ingredients for a productive week of writing: 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 tutor, 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, poets, memoirists—whose work involves matters of faith and the Christian life, 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, all workshop fees, and room and board. Those who join the workshop will be expected to reside at the Collegeville Institute throughout the entire week. 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 passed.
