Top Resources For Aspring Writers In Philadelphia

Have you been bitten by the writing bug? Perhaps you are a wordsmith or love to research. Maybe you have been telling imaginative tales your whole life or have been keeping a daily journal or diary and want to bring it to life. Whatever type of writer you are (or could be!), it all begins with just writing. Still, some guidance is helpful when you begin your quest to becoming a writer. Here are five of the top resources for aspiring writers in the Philadelphia area. 

Philadelphia University
Writing Tutorial
4201 Henry Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19144
(215) 951-2799
www.philau.edu

Philadelphia University offers a writing tutorial class for all writers at any stage of their career. You can work one-on-one with tutors to help you get through essays and assignments with more ease or just to improve your prose and writing in general. Tutors do not edit or proofread your work, but they offer valuable insight on how to research and document, create outlines and generate clear ideas. This course is taught by Philadelphia University professors.

Spells Writing Lab
2526 N. Alder St.
Philadelphia, PA 19133
(267) 670-0869
www.phillyspells.org

Spells Writing Lab offers free courses and workshops for students looking to improve their writing and courses for both children and professionals looking to advance their careers. Spells Writing Lab believes that literacy is the cornerstone for success and implements hands-on techniques that incorporates music and art for students to become inspired.

Greater Philadelphia Wordshop Studio
Alison Hicks
72 W. Hillcrest Ave.
Havertown, PA 19083
(610) 853-0296
www.philawordshop.com

Greater Philadelphia Wordshop Studio holds weekly meetings and offers writing workshops. Its mission is to create a positive environment for writers and teach them to write as individuals. It also encourages risk-taking with writing, for this is what typically distinguishes a good writer from a great writer. The classes are open to all levels of writers, published or not, writing for decades or brand new to the pastime. It has two locations, one meets in Center City on Tuesday nights and the other on the Mainline/Delaware County on Monday nights. The ten-week course focuses on creative writing and has resources available for those interested in publishing their work.

Related: Top Specialty Book Stores

Philadelphia Writers' Workshop
22nd and Arch St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(610) 449-3773
www.phillywriters.com

The Philadelphia Writers' Workshop works with writers across the spectrum, whether they are published or students. It offers two workshops, one in its downtown Philly location from 12:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. every other Sunday and the other on Tuesday nights in Ambler, PA. The workshop is run by Rachael Korbin, who is a member of the Greater Philadelphia Wordshop Studio and was taught by Alison Hicks. This workshop is a shorter course and is less expensive for those on a budget or with limited time.

Philadelphia Writers' Conference
Historic District of Philadelphia
150 S. Independence Mall W.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
www.pwcwriters.org

The Philadelphia Writers' Conference has longevity as one of its top reasons for being a writer's resource. It has been training and inspiring writers for over 65 years and meets every June. The conference is three days and includes mentoring, masters classes, contests, speakers and peer critiques. Just like all conferences, this is an opportunity to network with other writers and be inspired on where you can go with your career.

Related: Most Community Centered Bookstores In Philadelphia

Christina Dagnelli is a freelance writer in Philadelphia and the author of Little Squares with Colors: A Different way to look at autism. Her work on examiner can be found here Examiner.com.