The Center for Fiction Announces the Crime Fiction Academy

The Center for Fiction in New York City has announced a new program devoted exclusively to crime fiction. Called, appropriately enough, the Crime Fiction Academy, it will be the first on-going, rigorous program dedicated to crime writing in all its forms.

Beginning in February 2012, students accepted into the program will be taught by successful practitioners of the genre, including workshop leaders and master teachers Megan Abbott, Lawrence Block, Lee Child, Thomas H. Cook, Linda Fairstein, Susan Isaacs, Dennis Lehane, Laura Lippman, Val McDermid, Joyce Carol Oates, S. J. Rozan, Jonathan Santlofer, and Karin Slaughter, with more to come.

The Crime Fiction Academy not only offers the opportunity for potential writers to work with some of the greatest crime writers of the day, but to participate in intensive writing workshops, hear master class lectures, be part of reading seminars and special lectures, and take part in discussions with editors and agents from the world of crime fiction.

The building block of the Crime Fiction Academy, the workshop allows students the opportunity to work closely with a seasoned crime writer while also gaining a sense of camaraderie with their fellow classmates. Each workshop will include approximately 12 students and will consist of 14 weekly two-hour sessions. Format and content of workshops will vary according to style and goals of the particular writer/teacher, but all will include some in-class writing, discussions of the writing process, and the presentation and analysis of student work. Students may choose to develop short stories or a novel, with the goal of bringing the student’s writing to the next level by the end of the term.

These will be followed by monthly seminars led by a well known writer, in which they read and discuss the best in crime fiction.

Finally, each writer will have access to special lectures and discussions with editors and agents from the world of crime fiction publishing, round-the clock membership in The Center’s Writers’ Studio, free admission to all Center for Fiction events, and access to the Center’s extensive circulating collection.

All classes, workshops, and lectures will take place in the evening at The Center's Manhattan building.

Admission is limited and competitive and is based on work samples. Applications must be submitted by November 28th, 2011; see the program's website for details.