Adult Writers’ Studio (Virtual)

Fall 2026 | Virtual on Zoom | All Genres

Adult Writers’ Studio is a welcoming and creative community of serious writers 18+ who gather to share and discuss their writing, participate in generative exercises, provide/receive feedback about each other’s work, engage in topical discussions, and support each other through peer motivation and kind, constructive criticism.

Led by writer and facilitator Diane Callahan, the AWS program is designed for serious writers in all genres. Peer feedback groups will be intentionally curated based on writing level so participants can exchange feedback and receive support that best aligns with their needs.

Please note: this Adult Writers’ Studio is not geared toward beginner writers. Looking for Adult Writers’ Studio for beginners? Click here to learn more about Beginner AWS.

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‣ Meeting Information

What to Expect

Adult Writers’ Studio meetings are inclusive and supportive of as many writers as possible by focusing on topics, tools, techniques, prompts, exercises, discussion, and feedback that apply to a wide range of writers' needs and interests. Discussions will be organic/based on what participants want to talk about rather than pre-constructed topics.

Please bring something to write on/with to every meeting (pen and paper, laptop, etc.).

Most meetings begin with discussion and generative exercises, followed by time for peer feedback/workshopping pieces. There is an informal sign up process to workshop your pieces, and we ask that you upload your work far in advance of your sharing date so your fellow group members can read it and prepare feedback. This ensures that your peers come to the meeting having already read and made notes about your work, and the meeting time can be fully devoted to discussing that feedback. Participants are expected to be honest, kind, and constructive when giving feedback—we are not here to tear each other down.

Adult Writers’ Studio is an evolving and responsive program. Thurber House and the facilitator will adapt to participants’ needs and interests as they become apparent and as participants share feedback with us. Never hesitate to speak up about how you think AWS can best support you and your peers on your writing journey.

Pricing

$180 for the full season.

A limited number of scholarships are available. Please contact Jess Cox at jcox@thurberhouse.org if you need financial assistance (you must include your full name, a statement of need, and an 8-10 page writing sample).

‣ Meeting Location & Schedule

Location

All meetings will be held virtually on Zoom.

You will receive Zoom access information prior to each session. Please familiarize yourself with Zoom and download the desktop or mobile app, if you haven’t already. You can learn more and get the app here: https://zoom.us/download

Meeting Schedule

Wednesday, September 16 from 6:30-8:30 pm ET
Wednesday, September 30 from 6:30-8:30 pm ET
Wednesday, October 14 from 6:30-8:30 pm ET
Wednesday, October 28 from 6:30-8:30 pm ET
Wednesday, November 11 from 6:30-8:30 pm ET
Wednesday, November 18 from 6:30-8:30 pm ET*
Wednesday, December 2 from 6:30-8:30 pm ET

*Please note: sessions are held every other Wednesday except for the session on November 18, which will be held one week after the previous session.

‣ Meet the Adult Writers’ Studio Facilitator

Diane Callahan

Diane Callahan is a writer, editor, and YouTuber who also happens to work at an art gallery as a marketing manager. On her YouTube channel, Quotidian Writer, she provides practical tips for aspiring authors. She has experience with traditional publishing, indie markets, and literary journals.

You can read her work in Consequence, Translunar Travelers Lounge, Paper Butterfly Flash Fiction, Short Édition, and The Sunlight Press, among others. Her debut poetry collection, The Ship and the Storm, was released in September 2025 with Story Garden Publishing. In 2026, she received the Ohio Arts Council Individual Excellence Award for her fiction.

‣ FAQ & Disclaimer

For any questions that are not answered here, please email Jess Cox at jcox@thurberhouse.org or call 614-412-5955.

You will receive an email order confirmation containing your registration information.
Yes, although online registration is encouraged. To order by phone, call 614-412-5955.
All registrations are final and non-refundable. However, you can give your spot to a friend, family member, colleague, etc. if you cannot attend. Contact us to transfer a registration.
Purchases made by credit/debit card are charged a modest fee to cover Thurber House’s processing costs. To pay by cash or check, please email jcox@thurberhouse.org or call 614-412-5955.
Views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by event and program speakers in all mediums are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Thurber House, its affiliates, or its staff/board.