WriterHouse - Classes

New Section–All in One: A creative writing class for moms* (Helen Chandler)

Start
April 02, 2026
12:00 PM
End
May 21, 2026
1:30 PM
Location
Zoom — link to be shared by instructor
Spaces left
8

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Description:

This class will meet online for eight sessions on Thursdays, from 12 PM to 1:30 PM, starting April 2nd.

This class is aimed at writers across all genres and in all stages of motherhood. Whether you are in the thick of raising small children or yours have flown the nest, you have probably felt, at some point, a tension between your two identities: writer and mother. Maybe you’re feeling depleted by the demands of caregiving and can’t make time for creativity. Or perhaps you’re feeling inspired by the highs and lows of motherhood and would like to explore that through writing.

Each week for eight weeks, we will meet for 90 minutes – we’ll discuss a short piece of writing, sometimes touching on themes of motherhood and caregiving, and sometimes not, after which I'll offer generative writing prompts. In the second half of the course, writers will have an opportunity to workshop a story, essay, or other piece of their choice with the group. By the end of the course, you will have generated many new ideas and be on your way toward a finished draft of a longer piece. With luck, you'll also find that you feel part of a supportive and warm community of other mother artists.

In order to make this class as accessible to parents as possible, it will take place online over Zoom.

*All who identify as mothers are welcome.

About the Instructor:

Helen Chandler is a writer from Ireland living in Charlottesville. She holds an MFA from the University of Virginia, where she taught fiction for two years and edited Meridian magazine. She is the author of the monthly newsletter Old Diaries, and her stories, essays, reviews and interviews have appeared in The Dublin Review, The Stinging Fly, LitHub, Tammy, Passages North, and Meridian. She is at work on a nonfiction book about aunts.

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Writing Memoir (Brendan Wolfe)

Start
April 07, 2026
End
May 26, 2026
Schedule
8 sessions
Location
WriterHouse
Spaces left
7

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This class will meet in person at WriterHouse for 8 sessions on Tuesdays from 1:00 PM-3:30 PM, April 7 through May 26th.

Description:

Are you working on a memoir project? Whether you’re writing a single, book-length narrative or an essay or essays, this class will help make it sing. We’ll read published authors and talk about genre, voice, story construction, research, and truth and accuracy. We’ll discuss what it takes to be a good reader and why that matters. And, of course, we’ll workshop our own writing.

About the Instructor:

Brendan Wolfe is a professional genealogist and the author of three books, including Finding Bix: The Life and Afterlife of a Jazz Legend and Wolfe’s History. His personal essays and reviews have been published in Colorado Review, The Morning News, VQR, and Mud Season Review, among others. For twelve years Wolfe edited Encyclopedia Virginia, and has written numerous historical essays, including “The Train at Wood’s Crossing.” Honored as the best historical narrative of 2019 by Bunk magazine, it is included in Lynching in Virginia: Racial Terror and Its Legacy, edited by Gianluca De Fazio and published by the University of Virginia Press in August. Wolfe lives in Charlottesville with his daughter, Beatrix.

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Ink & Income: Mastering the Lifecycle of a Book, Module 1 - The Foundation (Andi Cumbo)

Start
April 08, 2026
End
April 29, 2026
Schedule
4 sessions
Location
WriterHouse
Spaces left
9

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This class will meet in person at WriterHouse for 4 sessions (April 8, April 15, April 22, April 29) on Wednesdays, from 10:00 AM-12:30 PM.

This course is designed as a series of four distinct modules following the chronological lifecycle of a book. Students may register for the full 20-week intensive or select/combine individual modules on Foundations, Production, Launch Strategy, or Sustainability.

Description:

You have typed "The End," but for the professional writer, the work is just beginning. Ink & Income is a comprehensive roadmap designed to bridge the gap between literary craft and sustainable business. Guided by hybrid author and editor Andi Cumbo, this course walks students through the complete lifecycle of a book—from the initial decision between traditional and independent publishing to the complex machinery of book launches, marketing, and financial management. Whether you are a debut writer holding your first manuscript or an established author looking to professionalize your career, this course offers the practical tools to turn your art into a business.

Module 1: The Foundation (4 Weeks)
Focus: Before you publish, you must decide how to publish and how to protect your rights.

Weeks 1–2: Industry Pathways

A deep dive into the pros and cons of Traditional vs. Independent publishing. We will analyze contracts, agents, and self-publishing platforms.
Guest Spotlight: Nashae Jones (Traditional Publishing) & Connie Dowell(Self-Publishing).

Weeks 3–4: Business Infrastructure

Treating your writing as a business. Topics include LLC formation, copyright registration, separating finances, and setting up the legal framework for your author career.

About the Instructor:

Andi Cumbo is a former creative writing professor, a professional editor, and a publisher who is the author of over 30 books that each incorporate real-life places, people, and events in their pages. She writes cozy mysteries, romantic comedies, YA fantasy, and creative nonfiction and holds and MFA in Creative Nonfiction from Antioch University. She has taught at Santa Clara University, Stevenson University, and George Mason University. When she’s not writing, she and her young son name his toys odd things like “Blech-agh-bah” and try to figure out Lego Fortnite together. She lives in Charlottesville.

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Chemistry on the Page: Crafting Connection and Banter (Andi Cumbo)

When
April 11, 2026
9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Location
WriterHouse
Spaces left
7

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This seminar will meet in person at WriterHouse for one session on Saturday, April 11 from 9:30 AM-12:30 PM.

Description:

Great chemistry isn’t just for romance—it’s the heartbeat of every memorable story. Whether crafting lovers or best friends, learn the mechanics of attraction and the rhythm of banter. Discover how to write dialogue that crackles and relationships that feel undeniably real.

About the Instructor:

Andi Cumbo is a former creative writing professor, a professional editor, and a publisher who is the author of over 30 books that each incorporate real-life places, people, and events in their pages. She writes cozy mysteries, romantic comedies, YA fantasy, and creative nonfiction and holds and MFA in Creative Nonfiction from Antioch University. She has taught at Santa Clara University, Stevenson University, and George Mason University. When she’s not writing, she and her young son name his toys odd things like “Blech-agh-bah” and try to figure out Lego Fortnite together. She lives in Charlottesville.

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Writing the Unseen: Metaphor, States of Mind, and Emotion (Andi Cumbo)

When
May 09, 2026
9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Location
WriterHouse
Spaces left
8

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This seminar will meet in person at WriterHouse for one session on Saturday, May 9 from 9:30 AM-12:30 PM.

Description:

How do you show anxiety without saying "she was anxious"? Move beyond the cliché of the racing heart. This seminar explores how to translate abstract internal states—like shame, fear, or joy—into tangible imagery. Learn to use metaphor and sensory detail to make the unseen unforgettably visible.

About the Instructor:

Andi Cumbo is a former creative writing professor, a professional editor, and a publisher who is the author of over 30 books that each incorporate real-life places, people, and events in their pages. She writes cozy mysteries, romantic comedies, YA fantasy, and creative nonfiction and holds and MFA in Creative Nonfiction from Antioch University. She has taught at Santa Clara University, Stevenson University, and George Mason University. When she’s not writing, she and her young son name his toys odd things like “Blech-agh-bah” and try to figure out Lego Fortnite together. She lives in Charlottesville.

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"To Get the News From Poems": Poetry in Response to Current Events (Margaret Mackinnon)

When
May 09, 2026
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Location
WriterHouse
Spaces left
4

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This seminar will meet in person at WriterHouse for one session on Saturday, May 9 from 1:00 to 5:00 PM.

Description:

In “Asphodel, That Greeny Flower,” William Carlos Williams wrote, “It is difficult/ to get the news from poems/ yet men die miserably every/ day/ for lack/ of what is found there.” Though poetry might not be where one looks for the news, many contemporary poets use what is happening around us as inspiration and impetus for their writing. In this one-day seminar, we will look at how poems can address the issues and events of our time. Though the focus of the class will be on work shared by seminar members, we will also discuss poems by other writers. We’ll use the term “current events” rather broadly, including poems that address national and international events from recent decades.

About the Instructor:

Margaret Mackinnon is the author of two collections of poetry, The Invented Child (Silverfish Review Press 2013), winner of the 2014 Literary Award in Poetry from the Library of Virginia, and Afternoon in Cartago (Ashland Poetry Press 2022), winner of the Richard Snyder Memorial Publication Prize. Her work has appeared in The Hampden-Sydney Poetry Review, Image, Poetry, Blackbird, and other journals. She attended Vassar College and the University of North Carolina, and she received her MFA in poetry from the University of Florida. She lives with her family in Richmond.

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Ink & Income: Mastering the Lifecycle of a Book, Module 2 - Production and Platform (Andi Cumbo)

Start
May 20, 2026
End
June 24, 2026
Schedule
6 sessions
Location
WriterHouse
Spaces left
9

Register

This class will meet in person at WriterHouse for six sessions (May 20, May 27, June 3, June 10, June 17, & June 24) on Wednesdays, from 10:00 AM-12:30 PM.

This course is designed as a series of four distinct modules following the chronological lifecycle of a book. Students may register for the full 20-week intensive or select/combine individual modules on Foundations, Production, Launch Strategy, or Sustainability.

Description:

You have typed "The End," but for the professional writer, the work is just beginning. Ink & Income is a comprehensive roadmap designed to bridge the gap between literary craft and sustainable business. Guided by hybrid author and editor Andi Cumbo, this course walks students through the complete lifecycle of a book—from the initial decision between traditional and independent publishing to the complex machinery of book launches, marketing, and financial management. Whether you are a debut writer holding your first manuscript or an established author looking to professionalize your career, this course offers the practical tools to turn your art into a business.

Module 2: Production & Platform (6 Weeks)
Focus: Turning a draft into a product and building the stage for its arrival.

Weeks 1–3: Project Management

- The mechanics of producing a book. How to hire and vet editors, working with cover designers, understanding ISBNs and metadata, and managing production timelines.

Weeks 4–6: Platform Building

- Establishing your digital footprint before the release. We will cover author websites, setting up newsletter landing pages, and the "tech stack" required to capture readers.

About the Instructor:

Andi Cumbo is a former creative writing professor, a professional editor, and a publisher who is the author of over 30 books that each incorporate real-life places, people, and events in their pages. She writes cozy mysteries, romantic comedies, YA fantasy, and creative nonfiction and holds and MFA in Creative Nonfiction from Antioch University. She has taught at Santa Clara University, Stevenson University, and George Mason University. When she’s not writing, she and her young son name his toys odd things like “Blech-agh-bah” and try to figure out Lego Fortnite together. She lives in Charlottesville.

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Write On! Summer Camp for Middle Grade Writers 2026

Start
June 29, 2026
End
July 03, 2026
Schedule
5 sessions
Location
WriterHouse
Spaces left
6

Register

Who: Rising 6th to Rising 8th Grade Students
When: June 29 — July 3, 2026
Time: 11 AM to 3 PM
Where: WriterHouse classroom and community field trips

Early Registration ends March 31!

Unleash your creativity in this week-long writing workshop! You will have the freedom to write what you want (fiction, non-fiction, poetry, songs!) while also learning specific tools and techniques that are crucial to all types of writing. We will explore and discuss a variety of writing across genres, and use prompts and exercises to help you dive into your writing. We will also engage in activities around town to spark inspiration and creativity. Throughout the week you will have the opportunity to share ideas, work on something new or a work-in-progress, get feedback, and refine your work. Join us on this writing adventure! Note: returning campers are welcome!

Register online or send a check to WriterHouse, PO Box 222, Charlottesville, VA. Please complete and return the permission slip as campers will not be able to participate without it.

About the Instructor:

Erin has taught English and Creative Writing for over a decade and received her MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University in 2024.

In addition to working with students at WriterHouse for the past ten years, she has been a judge for the Writer‘s Eye Creative Writing Contest hosted by the University of Virginia’s Fralin Museum of Art. She has also been a student and teacher-counselor at UVA’s Young Writers Workshop. She has attended two week-long workshops for Teachers as Writers at Bard College’s Institute for Writing and Thinking in 2014 and 2016 and received an author fellowship to attend the Martha’s Vineyard Institute for Creative Writing in 2021. Before she began teaching, she studied Journalism and English at New York University and received her undergraduate degree in English from the University of Virginia. In addition to writing, Erin loves reading, hiking, practicing and teaching yoga, cooking, being outside, traveling, and spending time with her sons Noah and Jacob, and friends.

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Write On! Summer Camp for High School Writers 2026

Start
July 13, 2026
End
July 17, 2026
Schedule
5 sessions
Location
WriterHouse
Spaces left
17

Register

Who: Rising 9th to Rising 12th Grade Students
When: July 13 — July 17, 2026
Time: 11 AM to 3 PM
Where: WriterHouse classroom and community field trips

Early registration closes March 31!

Unleash your creativity in this week-long writing workshop! You will have the freedom to write what you want (fiction, non-fiction, poetry, songs!) while also learning specific tools and techniques that are crucial to all types of writing. We will explore and discuss a variety of writing across genres, and use prompts and exercises to help you dive into your writing. We will also engage in activities around town to spark inspiration and creativity. Throughout the week you will have the opportunity to share ideas, work on something new or a work-in-progress, get feedback, and refine your work. Join us on this writing adventure! Note: returning campers are welcome!

Register online or send a check to WriterHouse, PO Box 222, Charlottesville, VA. Please complete and return the permission slip as campers will not be able to participate without it.

About the Instructor:

Erin has taught English and Creative Writing for over a decade and received her MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University in 2024.

In addition to working with students at WriterHouse for the past ten years, she has been a judge for the Writer‘s Eye Creative Writing Contest hosted by the University of Virginia’s Fralin Museum of Art. She has also been a student and teacher-counselor at UVA’s Young Writers Workshop. She has attended two week-long workshops for Teachers as Writers at Bard College’s Institute for Writing and Thinking in 2014 and 2016 and received an author fellowship to attend the Martha’s Vineyard Institute for Creative Writing in 2021. Before she began teaching, she studied Journalism and English at New York University and received her undergraduate degree in English from the University of Virginia. In addition to writing, Erin loves reading, hiking, practicing and teaching yoga, cooking, being outside, traveling, and spending time with her sons Noah and Jacob, and friends.

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Ink & Income: Mastering the Lifecycle of a Book, Module 3 - Launch & Promotion (Andi Cumbo)

Start
September 09, 2026
End
October 14, 2026
Schedule
6 sessions
Location
WriterHouse
Spaces left
10

Register

This class will meet in person at WriterHouse for 6 sessions (Sept. 9, Sept. 16, Sept. 23, Sept. 30, Oct. 7, Oct. 14) on Wednesdays, from 10:00 AM-12:30 PM.

This course is designed as a series of four distinct modules following the chronological lifecycle of a book. Students may register for the full 20-week intensive or select/combine individual modules on Foundations, Production, Launch Strategy, or Sustainability.

Description:

You have typed "The End," but for the professional writer, the work is just beginning. Ink & Income is a comprehensive roadmap designed to bridge the gap between literary craft and sustainable business. Guided by hybrid author and editor Andi Cumbo, this course walks students through the complete lifecycle of a book—from the initial decision between traditional and independent publishing to the complex machinery of book launches, marketing, and financial management. Whether you are a debut writer holding your first manuscript or an established author looking to professionalize your career, this course offers the practical tools to turn your art into a business.

Module 3: Launch & Promotion (6 Weeks)
Focus: Getting the book into readers' hands.

Weeks 1–2: The Launch Strategy

- Planning the launch window, organizing launch teams (street teams), ARC distribution, and working with retailers.
- Guest Spotlight: Flannery Buchanan (Working with Bookstores) & Dave Hirschman (Live Events).

Weeks 3–6: Ongoing Marketing

- Moving beyond the launch. Strategies for social media engagement, an introduction to advertising, and public appearances.
- Guest Spotlight: Marijean Oldham (Marketing) & Jeffrey Lofton (Public Speaking).

About the Instructor:

Andi Cumbo is a former creative writing professor, a professional editor, and a publisher who is the author of over 30 books that each incorporate real-life places, people, and events in their pages. She writes cozy mysteries, romantic comedies, YA fantasy, and creative nonfiction and holds and MFA in Creative Nonfiction from Antioch University. She has taught at Santa Clara University, Stevenson University, and George Mason University. When she’s not writing, she and her young son name his toys odd things like “Blech-agh-bah” and try to figure out Lego Fortnite together. She lives in Charlottesville.

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Ink & Income: Mastering the Lifecycle of a Book, Module 4 - Sustainability & The Long Game (Andi Cumbo)

Start
October 21, 2026
End
November 11, 2026
Schedule
4 sessions
Location
WriterHouse
Spaces left
10

Register

This class will meet in person at WriterHouse for 4 sessions (Oct. 21, Oct. 28, Nov. 4, Nov. 11) on Wednesdays, from 10:00 AM-12:30 PM.

This course is designed as a series of four distinct modules following the chronological lifecycle of a book. Students may register for the full 20-week intensive or select/combine individual modules on Foundations, Production, Launch Strategy, or Sustainability.

Description:

You have typed "The End," but for the professional writer, the work is just beginning. Ink & Income is a comprehensive roadmap designed to bridge the gap between literary craft and sustainable business. Guided by hybrid author and editor Andi Cumbo, this course walks students through the complete lifecycle of a book—from the initial decision between traditional and independent publishing to the complex machinery of book launches, marketing, and financial management. Whether you are a debut writer holding your first manuscript or an established author looking to professionalize your career, this course offers the practical tools to turn your art into a business.

Module 4: Sustainability & The Long Game (4 Weeks)
Focus: Keeping the business—and the author—healthy.

Weeks 1–2: Financial Maintenance

- Understanding royalties, tracking expenses, profit & loss (P&L) statements, and tax basics for authors.
- Guest Spotlight: Jen Poteet (Multiple Lines of Income).

Weeks 3–4: Career Longevity

- Preventing creative burnout, managing time, and planning the "next book" while marketing the current one.
- Guest Spotlight: Anne Carley (Creative Balance).

About the Instructor:

Andi Cumbo is a former creative writing professor, a professional editor, and a publisher who is the author of over 30 books that each incorporate real-life places, people, and events in their pages. She writes cozy mysteries, romantic comedies, YA fantasy, and creative nonfiction and holds and MFA in Creative Nonfiction from Antioch University. She has taught at Santa Clara University, Stevenson University, and George Mason University. When she’s not writing, she and her young son name his toys odd things like “Blech-agh-bah” and try to figure out Lego Fortnite together. She lives in Charlottesville.

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