Special Events

Join the Westport Writers' Workshop for a memorable evening at the Museum of Contemporary Art \ CT featuring acclaimed author Rebecca Makkai.

WSHU, the NPR affiliate station based out of Sacred Heart University, and Westport Writers’ Workshop are pleased to host a contest that invites Connecticut residents to submit original, short-form personal stories (500 - 700 words). Through this contest celebrating the power of storytelling and personal reflection, we encourage writers to explore the theme:

What Haunts You?

Submissions must reflect on the theme - creative interpretation is encouraged. While we welcome your ghost stories, we also look forward to reading your deeper interpretations of what it means to have a lingering doubt, fear or emotion.

The Jessica Speart Fellowship

July 1, 2026 - August 15, 2026

8:00 am EDT - 5:00 pm EDT

Jessica Speart was a special person, writer, teacher, and friend to all at Westport Writers' Workshop. Most importantly, she was a fearless supporter of her students, especially when a financial barrier prevented them from taking workshops. To honor Jessica's work and spirit, we created the Jessica Speart Fellowship, a $1,000 stipend to be used over the course of a year at the workshop in whichever way serves your writing best. These funds can be applied towards workshops, coaching/editing, mentoring, or one-time offerings.

Westport Writers' Workshop

500 Words of Summer Prompts

July 1, 2026 - July 31, 2026

9:00 am EDT - 9:00 am EDT

Inspired by National Novel Writing month a.k.a. NaNoWriMo (which challenges writers to write 50,000 words during the month of November), and Jami Attenberg’s 1,000 words of summer (1,000 words a day for two straight weeks), our challenge is to write 500 words every weekday in July.

Liz Matthews

Fall Open House

September 2, 2026

Wednesday

6:00 pm - 7:30 pm EDT

Join us for our complimentary Fall Open House and discover everything the Westport Writers' Workshop has to offer. Meet instructors from a wide range of genres, connect with fellow writers, learn about upcoming classes, and find the perfect workshop for your writing journey. Enjoy refreshments, great conversation, and a special visit from The Perfect Page Mobile Bookstore, where you can browse a curated selection of books from beloved authors and instructors. Whether you're a returning student or visiting for the first time, it's the perfect opportunity to celebrate the start of a new season of writing.

Westport Writers' Workshop

WSHU/WWW Collaboration – Writing Short: Audio & Impact

September 10, 2026

Thursday

6:30 pm - 8:30 pm EDT

Join us for a complimentary workshop as a lead-up to our CT Voices: WWWxWSHU Radio Contest, we are offering a one-time workshop on Thursday, September 10th. Click below for more information.

Westport Writers' Workshop

The Great Believers Virtual Book Discussion

October 7, 2026

Wednesday

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm EDT

Join WWW Executive Director Amanda Parrish Morgan for a virtual discussion of Rebecca Makkai's Pulitzer Prize-finalist novel The Great Believers in anticipation of our second annual Speaker Series event at MOCA on October 15th! We'll discuss everything from craft elements like plot, setting, voice, and structure to the novel's emotional core that made it resonate with so many readers.

Amanda Parrish Morgan

Annual Speaker Series: Rebecca Makkai with Evening Epilogue Party

October 15, 2026

Thursday

6:30 pm - 9:30 pm EDT

Westport Writers' Workshop