Literary Arts

Writing Sample Process for Workshops

For LITR 210 sections, up to six LITR concentrators may enroll during the registration process. 

Following the registration process, the classes listed here will require writing samples. Any Brown or RISD undergraduate may apply to take below-1000 level workshops.

LITR 1150T, LITR 1151Y and LITR 1152C will meet during the first week. All other LITR-based writing-sample driven classes will NOT meet on 24, 5 & 26 January (as the class list will not yet be determined). These classes will begin to meet on Monday, 29 January 2024.
 

Deadline

Writing samples may be submitted starting on 20 January but are due by 5 pm ET on Wednesday, 24 January 2024 (some instructors may accept writing samples through 5 pm ET on 25 or 26 January; those links will remain active until that time). Instructors will notify those who've applied of the results by day's end on Monday, 29 January 2024.

Submission

All writing samples will be submitted electronically. From the list below, select the course(s) to which you wish to apply. Starting on 20 January you'll find an electronic mail address or a link to an online form to which you should send a writing sample. 

Note: LITR 1150T will not require writing samples. Attend the first class meeting -- preference will be given to graduate students and seniors.

Classes

  • LITR 210A, Sec. 1  --  writing samples are no longer being reviewed
  • LITR 210B, Sec. 1   -- writing samples are no longer being reviewed
  • LITR 0311X, Sec. 1 -- writing samples are no longer being reviewed
  • LITR 1010A, Sec. 1  --  writing samples are no longer being reviewed
  • LITR 1010B, Sec. 1  -- writing samples are no longer being reviewed
  • LITR 1010E, Sec 1 -- writing samples are no longer being reviewed
  • LITR 1110V, Sec. 1  -- writing samples are no longer being reviewed
  • LITR 1150T, Sec. 1  --  writing samples are no longer being reviewed
  • LITR 1151Y, Sec. 1  -- writing samples are no longer being reviewed
  • LITR 1152C, Sec 1 -- If you do not meet the prerequisites, please write to eleni_sikelianos@brown.edu describing experience with Literary Arts classes and creative writing relevant to teaching writing workshops with children. Attend the first class.
  • LITR 1152S, Sec 1 -- Complete the Google form for ARTS 1004
  • LITR 1152V, Sec. 1 -- writing samples are no longer being reviewed
  • LITR 1152W, Sec. 1 -- writing samples are no longer being reviewed
  • LITR 1152X, Sec. 1 --  writing samples are no longer being reviewed
  • LITR 1152Y, Sec. 1 -- writing samples are no longer being reviewed

Frequently asked questions

Intermediate Sections

Fiction: 5-15 pages of prose fiction  
Poetry: 4-8 pages of poetry  
Digital/Cross-Disciplinary: A story, 4-6 pages of poetry, a cross-genre literary work or a computer-based creative work

Special Topics: A writing sample 4-15 pages -- if possible, relevant to the topic (but any creative work will be considered)

Advanced Sections

Fiction: 10-20 pages of prose fiction  
Poetry: 6-12 pages of poetry  
Digital & Cross-disciplinary: One or more cross-disciplinary or digital creative projects, or a writing sample as above, ideally from a project for which the artist can envisage a compositionally integrated cross-disciplinary or digital dimension
Screenwriting and Script to Screen: Send a message to the designated course email address for sample instructions.
Translation: 8-20 pages of material, in translation or not  

Special Topics: 8-20 pages of original literary material, relevant to the topic

If you meet the criteria, you may register for intermediate creative writing workshops. If you are able to register, you need not submit a writing sample at the beginning of the semester. If you cannot (or do not) register, then you should submit a writing sample at the beginning of the semester.

Apply to any section that you would like to take – advanced and/or intermediate. The more to which you apply, the more likely you are to get into one; but don't apply to a section where you know you have a time conflict. Once you've been accepted in one section of a particular genre, you will NOT get into any other.

Any undergraduate student may submit writing samples to intermediate and advanced workshops, regardless of the courses previously taken. In certain fields (screenwriting, digital language arts), by applying, the instructor will assume that you have familiarity with the related software and basic techniques of the field.

Any graduate student may submit writing samples to 1000-level workshops, regardless of the courses taken previously. In certain fields (screenwriting, digital language arts), by applying, the instructor will assume that you have familiarity with the related software and basic techniques of the field.