Celebrating Our Students & Looking Ahead to 2017

Our community is stronger than ever, and for that, we are very grateful.

When Catapult’s writing program was little more than an idea, we dreamed of creating a kind of MFA program without barriers; a space equally devoted to rigorous critique and generative play; a program that would unite emerging writers with established mentors and demystify the process of getting published. We wanted to build a series of classes that would help writers find and hone their voices, and might also introduce them to some lifelong friends.

In April 2015, James Hannaham led our first ever Catapult workshop. Nine writers were in his group. I’ve heard that they still meet regularly, exchanging work and keeping up the community that they first found here. Since then, more than 500 writers have taken our classes.

This year has been tough. Like many, I won’t be sad to see it go. But when I think of all that our writers have accomplished, from acceptances into top MFA programs, to first bylines and published books, to those quiet moments when the work breaks open into something that surprises you—I am filled with hope. The community we have built here, that our students and instructors have built—it’s stronger than ever, and for that, we at Catapult are very grateful.

In 2017, we’re launching some exciting initiatives in response to student feedback. I’m thrilled to announce that in partnership with Electric Literature, we’re offering a limited number of full scholarships to workshops and master classes. This fall we also held our first online classes, and expect that branch of our program to grow exponentially in the coming months.

Finally, we’ve joined forces with Literary Hub to host a new writer’s conference this summer. The conference, called Catapult NYC, will be a three-day deep dive into the craft and commerce of literary writing, held the weekend of June 23rd at the NYU Lillian Vernon Creative Writers House. The legendary Paul Auster (!!!) is our keynote speaker. Email Colin Drohan (colin.drohan@catapult.co) to get on the info list.

Thank you to all that have generously shared their words and inspired us since our first workshop. We’re looking forward to expanding our community in the months and years to come, and to reading your work and celebrating your successes.