We empower young people to write their own stories. 

An exciting, challenging, and supportive community where young authors thrive

Based in Washington Heights, Uptown Stories offers after-school, weekend, and summer creative writing workshops for children ages 8-18, led by rockstar teachers, who are also professional authors and artists.

Students learn the art and craft of writing, how to revise their work, and how to give and receive constructive feedback. Each workshop ends with a celebratory reading at the WordUp Bookshop in Washington Heights, and the publication of a paperback anthology, so every student leaves our program as a published author.

To ensure our program is accessible to our ethnically and economically diverse community, our tuition is “Pay-What-You-Can.” Uptown Stories creates an exciting, challenging, and supportive community where young authors thrive.

Why Creative Writing?

We believe that writing is an essential tool for:

Developing
Communication Skills

Creative writing helps young people develop their communication skills.
By learning to express their thoughts and ideas in writing, they become better able to articulate their ideas verbally, which is beneficial in all areas of life.

Stimulating Imagination

Creative writing encourages young people to use their imaginations and think creatively. This helps them become more innovative and adaptable in their thinking, which is useful in many different contexts, from problem-solving  to artistic expression.

Enhancing
Self-Expression

Creative writing provides young people with a medium for self-expression. This can be especially important for those who struggle with expressing themselves verbally or who may feel misunderstood or marginalized in other areas of their lives.

Building Confidence

As young people develop their creative writing skills and see their work improve, they gain confidence in their abilities. This translates to other areas of their lives, such as academics or social situations, where confidence and self-assuredness can be valuable assets.

Promoting
Critical Thinking

Writing creatively requires young people to think critically and analyze their own work. This helps them develop their critical thinking skills, which is needed in a wide range of academic and professional pursuits.

I love the teachers, love the community, have made SO many new friends. I feel like I can express myself through writing, and I couldn’t do that before. Everyone should be a part of Uptown Stories!

Isabella

Student

Uptown Stories redefined "after school enrichment" for me. The kids were learning the fundamentals of good writing, but in a way that felt like a fun romp, rather than a two-hour slog through rules and thesis statements.

HK

Parent

My daughter’s writing has improved tremendously. She loves writing now. She can sit for hours and let her imagination fly.

Annie

Parent

The quality of teaching is superb. The teachers have the chance to get to know each child, and due to the small class size, the feedback is very specific. Also, witnessing the other children critique the writing is remarkable - the children are kind and respectful, but very honest.

Lori

Parent

Uptown Stories has helped me come out of my shell and explore my imagination. My writing has become more complex and descriptive over the years. It is helpful and fun to anyone who is interested in writing or not!

Kayla

Student

I've met a fantastic group of people and become a much better writer. Kate and the rest of the staff are hardworking and fun to work with.

Joseph

Student

I would not be the writer I am today without Uptown Stories.

Elias

Alumnus

My daughter takes her writing seriously because Uptown Stories takes her seriously.

Kimberly

Parent

Ready to Join a Workshop?

Girls Rising x Uptown Hub

Girls, it's time. Time to be smart, time to be creative, time to let your voice be heard! Every girl has a story that she needs to shout from the mountain tops—that includes you. Come write, discuss, and revel in what you love, in what inspires you, and discover how you're going to change in the world. During this girls-only writing intensive, you'll get energized by a few lady rebels from history, and be surrounded by girls who are ready to take on the world, just like you. Class will enjoy field trips to the Met Cloisters, The Met Fifth Ave, the Whitney Museum, and the Museum of Modern Art.

Any and all kinds of writing are welcome - from real-life to poems to fiction - you just need bring the unique girl you are. All awesome girls (and those who self-identify as a girl) should apply NOW! Space is limited.

Interested girls should complete this registration in order to be considered for a spot in the Girls Rising Winter 2024 workshop series.

In order to be eligible to apply, you must…

·       Be a girl or self-identify as a girl

·       Be currently in High School (grades 9–12)

·       Be interested in writing and self-expression

Upon successful completion of the sessions, all participants will receive a $20 stipend for each class attended.

If selected, you will need to become a member of the Uptown Hub. If you are already a member, great! If not, you will be asked to enroll during your first week.

Registration is rolling and will remain open until the workshop is full or the class begins. Applicants may be contacted for an interview.

Once registered for the workshop, your guardian will be emailed at the email address provided to sign a permission slip electronically.

More Info
The Elements of Fiction

If you can’t wait to turn the page, the writer has succeeded in telling you a great story. What does it take to develop characters, settings, dialogue, and plot elements that have you on the edge of your seat? This workshop answers those questions and more! We’ll breakdown the parts of fiction writing each week and test out what we’ve learned with some on-the-spot writing. You’ll work with your peers, too–giving advice and feedback, while hearing what they have to say about your work. Not only does this workshop make you a better writer, but when you understand the process, it makes you appreciate your favorite writers even more. Don’t leave us on the edge of our seats–register for now for this workshop!

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Writing and Drawing Comic Books

Get ready to run faster and jump higher, one frame at a time! Together we’re taking your stories and transforming them into comics. You’ll take an ordinary day (or the wildest story you can imagine) and use comic-book language, illustration, and frames to share with everyone the next super-adventure. You don’t need to be an artist to join us – just bring your best ideas. You’ll learn all the steps to comics illustration and development, including pin-ups, single-frame and multi-frame pages, using pencils, pens, paints, crayons, and other art materials.

More Info
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