creative writing classes jacksonville fl

Creative Writing Workshops

Find Your Words

This summer Bridge Eight Press has partnered with MOCA Jacksonville to offer two, six-week creative writing workshops.

Each workshop will cap at 10 participants and meet for two to three hours at a time over the span of six weeks. Each session will focus on elevating your craft in your genre of choice (poetry or fiction).

Select an option below for workshop details and to apply.

Applications close May 31.

Accepted participants will be notified via email by June 3.

A quick note about the review process. We know that ‘applying’ to a workshop can mean a lot of things. For us, requiring an application helps us ensure that each participant is actively working on a project and is willing to put in the effort to make the workshop a success for both themselves and their classmates. We welcome any-sized project at any stage of development. 

Poetry Workshop

Saturday, June 22  – 11:00-1:30 Saturday, June 29   – 11:00-1:30 Saturday, July 6  –  11:00-1:30 Thursday, July 11 –  6:00-8:30 Saturday, July 13  –  11:00-1:30 Saturday, July 20   – 11:00-1:30

About the Workshop

In this six-week workshop, you will engage with poems, other writers, and yourself in many different ways, always with the intention of moving closer to meeting your personal writing goals. Expect to read and investigate work by established poets, sharpen your craft skills, participate in meaningful discussions, and consider not just how poems operate, but why they matter to each of us.

Each week, we will workshop select poems by at least two participants and generate new work. We’ll adjust the readings and instruction based on participants’ goals and interests, established during the first session.

We’ll celebrate the end of the program with a public reading featuring all participants.

What We’ll Cover

Each participant will:

• Look closely at the fundamental techniques that shape the poems we read and write
• Develop and refine craft (the line, stanza, sound, image, and metaphor, to name a few)
• Explore numerous strategies in drafting and revising poems
• Generate new work
• Cultivate relationships with other writers for guidance and feedback
• Have your poems workshopped by the group at least once
• Receive personal, practical instruction adapted to individual goals
• Have the opportunity to present their work in a public reading

A Note From the Host

“My hope is that our six sessions together will move you closer to your personal artistic goals and add vibrancy to your summer. I want to help you build or re-establish a foundation on which to grow—maybe that’s with practical knowledge about craft, or with a sense of ritual and routine around your writing. Maybe it’s through community, through shared conversation, or through being held accountable.”

About Jennifer

Jennifer Bundy is a poet and author of the audio chapbook Girls (EAT Poems). She is Senior Poetry Editor of Bridge Eight Press and teaches creative writing at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, where she co-directs the Douglas Anderson Writers’ Festival. She previously taught at IES José María Infantes, a school for the arts in Utrera, Spain. Jennifer holds an MFA in Poetry from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Fiction Workshop

with Author & Managing Editor, Caleb Michael Sarvis

In this workshop, you will be tasked with defining or redefining what a story means to you. Whether that is a concern for the broader picture of things (plot, character, conceit) or simply figuring out how to write the best sentence possible, this course will meet you where you are and work with you to take you where you want to go.

Each participant will have the opportunity to hear one piece workshopped by the instructor and their peers, and have that discussion guided by what the writer wants to get from the course.

We’ll cap the course by participating in a short 500-word flash fiction contest amongst ourselves.

• Generate a response to “What makes a story?” and “Why do I want to write one?”
• Develop a foundational understanding of good vs. bad writing habits, and how to critique your own work
• Explore the multiple components of a story (character, plot, dialogue, conflict, emotion) in order to refine their own interests
• Engage with and develop relationships within Jacksonville’s growing literary community
• Learn about the publishing process, and how to go about submitting your work to the right literary journals

A Note from the Host

“As a writer, I’m sure you understand what it means to be in the thick of it. There’s nothing like getting lost in your own work, in shaping your own ideas into something a little more transformative. That’s the inspiration behind this workshop.”

About Caleb

Caleb Michael Sarvis is a writer from Jacksonville, Florida. He is the author of Dead Aquarium (Mastodon Publishing 2019), the managing editor for Bridge Eight Press, and co-host of the Drunken Book Review Podcast. His story “An Unfaded Black” was short-listed for Best American Short Stories 2018 , edited by Roxane Gay. He received his MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Tampa and you can find his work in Hobart, Volt, Saw Palm, Split Lip Magazine, and several others.

Commitment & Make-up Sessions

These workshops are a commitment for both the teacher and the students. You are encouraged to check your calendars and assess your level of interest, and your commitment to completing the program before signing up. For those of you who have a conflict with one of the session dates, make-up sessions can be arranged.

You may also like

Flash Reading at Brass Tacks

Flash reading at social grounds.

Writers’ Night Every Tuesday

Search form

• Login/Register
• Upcoming Workshops
• Where to Start
• The Book Project
• Poetry Collective
• Writing in Color
• Queer Creatives
• Post-Grad Year
• Community Partnerships

Young Authors Collective

• YWP Anthology
• Young Writers Summer Camp
• Community Programs
• Upcoming Events
• Writing Communities
• Fellowships
• Visiting Authors
• Readings and Parties
• Member Events
• ILLUMINATION 2024
• Nonfiction Fest
• 2024 Lit Fest Fellows
• Sponsorship Opportunities
• Gift Certificates
• Monthly Giving
• Planned Giving
• Lighthouse Supporters
• Become a Member
• Our New Home
• The Lookout
• In The News
• Mission and Values
• Board of Directors
• Reports and Publications
• Location/Contact
• Equity, Diversity, Inclusivity, and Access (EDIA)

Young Writers

Lighthouse's Young Writers Workshops are designed to foster creativity, self-expression, and excitement about writing. There are no grades here, just the stories. We offer workshops at Lighthouse including afterschool and weekend workshops, the Young Authors Collective, and summer camps, as well as youth outreach in schools, at juvenile residential treatment centers, and in collaboration with other arts organizations.

For the latest on workshops and events,  sign up for our Young Writers Program e-newsletter . 

Lighthouse connects kids and teens to words, new friends, and a writing community. We offer workshops in poetry, fiction, nonfiction, playwriting, screenwriting, and many other genres and topics. Our classes are taught by published authors and are designed to foster creativity, self-expression, and excitement about writing.

Summer Writing Camps

Lighthouse's Young Writers Camps are led by published and award-winning writers, and each workshop is designed to foster creativity, self-expression, and excitement about writing in young writers aged 8 to 18. Registration for half-day camp and applications for full-day camp will open on January 1, 2019.

School Outreach

The Young Writers Program offers creative writing workshops in public and private schools as well as juvenile residential treatment centers throughout the Denver metro area. Led by working, published writers with a passion for sharing their craft, our outreach workshops provide access to our innovative creative writing programming for young people who cannot come to Lighthouse.

The Young Authors Collective, or YAC, is a group of talented, word-obsessed high school writers dedicated to experimenting with new creative forms, collaborating with other arts organizations, and writing a ton. We meet once a week at Lighthouse to generate new pieces, give friendly feedback, and work towards publication.

Support Young Writers

Our Future Scribes Depend on Your Support. Nearly all of the workshops and projects that will engage 2,300 students this year are free to attend, and for the sessions that do have tuition, such as summer writing camp, financial aid is available for any student who needs it. We want all young people who want to write to be able to do so and for them to be nurtured by the best instructors and mentors available. This only happens with the support of generous donors like you.

2024 Douglas Anderson Writers' Festival

Saturday, April 6, 2024

The 2024 Douglas Anderson Writers’ Festival is Saturday, April 6, 9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the Douglas Anderson school campus. This world-class literary event features a full day of hands-on writing workshops conducted by nationally and internationally acclaimed authors. Workshops will be offered in fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction, playwriting, and publication.  The morning will begin with readings from visiting authors, followed by breakout sessions and an on-stage interview and Q & A with festival headliners. The day’s events will culminate with a 7 p.m. evening reading by two of our featured authors, New York Times bestselling fiction writer and Jacksonville native, Deesha Philyaw, author of The Secret Lives of Church Ladies , and award-winning poet Nicole Sealey, author of The Ferguson Report , an erasure and Ordinary Beasts .

Jump to Section:

Festival History   |   Meet the Writers   |   Mission and Goals   |   Purchase Tickets   |   Location   |   Contact Us

Festival History

Since 1994, the Douglas Anderson Writers’ Festival has been funded by the Douglas Anderson Writers’ Guild, a not-for-profit group of parent boosters for the Douglas Anderson Creative Writing Department. The mission of the Douglas Anderson Writers’ Festival is to provide hands-on, craft-oriented workshops with professional writers and scholars, furnishing an invaluable creative opportunity for the emerging writers of our community. The overarching purpose of the festival is to provide exposure to the diversity of writing in the literary professional world and to provide students with time, space and encouragement to contemplate and practice the art of creative writing. In the past, featured presenters have included novelists Margaret Atwood, Joyce Carol Oates, and George Saunders, as well as poets Billy Collins, Tracy K. Smith, and Richard Blanco, to name a few.

Meet the Writers

Click on each author to read their bio and learn about the workshops they will be providing during the festival.

Nicole Sealey

Deesha Philyaw

David Kirby

Dantiel W. Moniz

Jacquelyn Reingold

Playwriting/Screenwriting

Andres Rojas

Kayla Kumari Upadhyaya

Dorsey Craft

Fiction/Publishing

Nikesha Elise Williams

Fiction/Podcasting

The writing workshops and the evening reading are open to the public as a package or as separate ticketed events.  

Use the buttons below to purchase your tickets in advance:  

$50 – Standard Ticket (includes workshop attendance during the day and admittance into the evening reading)  

$35 – Student, Educator (and Senior) Ticket: Must show school ID at check-in to retain this price (includes workshop attendance during the day and admittance into the evening reading) ​ ​

$15 – 7:00 p.m. Evening Reading: featuring headlining authors Nicole Sealey and Deesha Philyaw (separate ticket for evening reading only)

Click on the buttons below to purchase your ticket:

Douglas Anderson students: A separate link will be provided for you to purchase tickets.

Mission and Goals

Festival Goals:

The festival seeks to bring toge ther writing students of all ages and stages.  Working with scholars and professional authors is the hallmark of Douglas Anderson Writers’ Festival, but there are additional goals as well. The integration of “student” writers from all parts of our community makes the project exciting and far-reaching. ​

Our Mission:

To open a writing dialogue in a supportive environment that is stimulating and enlightening for all attendees.

Allow participants to learn more about literary writing, not just what sells.

Inspire festival goers to be critical consumers of the writing that is on the market.

Inspire festival goers to write and read with a heightened awareness of what makes good writing – writing that survives the test of time.

Allow attendees the opportunity to participate in workshops with internationally renowned writers.

All proceeds for the festival go to support educational programming and guest artist experiences for the Creative Writing Department of Douglas Anderson School of the Arts. 

The 2024 Douglas Anderson Writers’ Festival will take place on the campus of Douglas Anderson School of the Arts. Parking is in the gated lot off of White Avenue next to the DuBow Theatre. 

Douglas Anderson School of the Arts Address:

2445 San Diego Rd.

Jacksonville, Florida 32207

Contact Information

For information regarding the event including ticket sales, contact our event sponsors, The Writers’ Guild Boosters, Inc. at [email protected] .

Follow Us :

Creative veins performing arts, serious training for serious actors serious writers serious comedians serious improvisers.

WHERE CREATIVITY FINDS ITS PULSE!

JACKSONVILLE’S #1 STUDIO SINCE 2016!

In-Person Classes in Jacksonville & Atlanta!

Acting, improv, screenwriting, & comedy.

Experience the transformative power of our classes and workshops, where you’ll meet new people, discover the joy of a fulfilling hobby, and boost confidence!

Beyond performance, our classes foster personal growth, offering a pathway to creative expression, pursuit of passion, and mastery of valuable speaking skills. We offer a supportive environment to immerse yourself, forge new friendships, and uncover the depths of your potential!

PROFESSIONAL

We’re proud to have a team of professional, skilled, agency-represented actors, improvisers, writers, and comics leading the way. We firmly believe that the best teachers are those who have walked the same path you’re on now. What’s more, many of our instructors have diverse expertise across multiple disciplines. So, come learn from the very best in the industry – those who have been there, done that, and are still making waves today!

No matter where you are on your journey, whether you’re dreaming of a professional career or just seeking new experiences and connections, we’ve got the perfect class for you! From acting and improv to stand-up and screenwriting, our diverse range of classes caters to all ages, abilities, and interests. Our dedicated team is here to support you every step of the way, helping you achieve your goals and unlock your full potential, whatever they may be!

Unlike fraudulent studios that make empty promises of guaranteed success or a direct path to Hollywood, we prioritize integrity and authenticity in our approach. Our focus is on providing legitimate, skills-focused training that mirrors the standards of larger markets. As the highest-rated studio in the Northeast, endorsed by top coaches, agents, and casting directors, we pride ourselves on delivering quality education and preparing our students for success in the industry!

JACKSONVILLE

To the next level, jacksonville's #1 choice for acting, improv, stand-up, & screenwriting classes, what makes creative veins different.

We believe in leveraging our reputation to help our students succeed in their chosen craft throughout the Southeast Region, including North Florida, Orlando, Atlanta, Tampa, and Miami!

Our  classes  are fun and supportive and taught by professional, agency-represented artists who live in Jacksonville and work regionally (Atlanta, Orlando, Tampa, Miami, Nashville, and Knoxville) on paid bookings in film, theater, commercials, and television. Additionally, many of our  instructors  are multi-disciplined, meaning that besides being highly trained and skilled in their chosen craft, they have also studied music, singing, dance, improv, and more!

We’re eager to help you accomplish all your goals, no matter how big or small. We strive to help along every step of your artistic journey, providing you with confidence, depth, and, ultimately, success in all of your creative endeavors!

ON SET EXPERIENCE

Build practical experience, your resume, and your reel by working on studio productions

WEEKLY MEETUPS

Get extra practice to help you further hone your craft and master other disciplines.

INDUSTRY EXPERTISE

Work with actors, coaches, agents, and casting directors from NY, LA, & Atlanta.

PROFESSIONAL WORKSHOPS

Regular workshops with professional actors, coaches, agents, and casting directors.

TALENT SHOWCASES

Weekly opportunities to perform and perfect what you’re learning in class.

Build lifelong friendships with other creatives who share your interests.

PRIVATE LESSONS

Get the competetive advantage to make you stand out

PROGRESS REPORTS

Focus on the areas you need to and not waste time.

YOU DON'T HAVE TO KNOW EVERYTHING TO TAKE THE FIRST STEP!

Testimonials, five-star feedback.

COACHES WITH VISION

Meet the creative veins team.

We believe that the very best people to teach you how to do the job you want are those who already have that job. At Creative Veins, you will learn from the professionals who have already been there, done that, and are still in the industry!

We understand that every student has their own set of responsibilities outside of classes. That’s why we offer virtual and in-person classes year-round so your training can easily co-exist with your busy schedule!

It’s simple. The most highly skilled are the most in-demand, the most frequently booked, and the highest-paid. And for this reason, our students book a lot! Additionally, our studio will help with auditions, tapings, bookings, and reputable agency representation when you’re ready!

Acting Coach Casting Director

Acting Coach Studio Manager

Bilingual Acting Coach

The studio you can trust.

“The difference between being utterly misled by false information, being nudged in the general direction, and being precisely guided by an expert cannot be overstated.”

ANYONE CAN SAY THEY'RE GREAT, WE CAN BACK IT UP

Awards & recognition, latest news.

The Business of Art

In the world of acting, comedy, writing, and improv, one

He Booked It: An Acting Student’s Journey from the Classroom to L.A.

The Road to Success Five months ago, Leighton Maxon entered

2024 Naughty Or Nice Film Fest Results

Another Amazing Year Dear incredible filmmakers, judges, guests, teammates, friends,

Where Inspiration Finds Its Pulse!

Creative Veins is an award-winning performing arts studio offering classes in acting, improv & more! We’re excited to instruct classes for all ages and experience levels! We’re also the only studio in Northeast Florida run by agency-represented, classically trained talent!

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

POPULAR COURSES

Email:  [email protected]

Phone:  904-323-2471

STAY IN THE LOOP