The Muse: Writing Studio and Workshops in Norfolk, Virginia (VA) is an organization for Hampton Roads writers, new and experienced, to come together in writing workshops, writing studios, readings, and special events.

Muse Writing Workshops welcome novice writers as well as those with some writing experience who are looking for a structured environment in which to bloom. Writing workshops include classes that focus on writing poetry, fiction, memoir, creative non-fiction, screenwriting, and photography and writing. Workshops combine creative exercises designed to inspire, readings selected to support your work, and discussions to stimulate that work within an encouraging and nurturing environment. In a Muse Workshop, you'll find yourself part of a diverse community of new writers in Hampton Roads, Virginia.

Muse Writing Studios are designed for more experienced writers and professionals looking for a community and guidance while working on a literary project. Classes also include those that focus on writing poetry, fiction, memoir, and creative non-fiction. Studios follow the graduate level workshop model, where current work is distributed to all members of the studio for helpful criticism and advice. Weekly deadlines and guidance from our experienced instructors encourage studio participants to produce their finest work. In a Muse Writing Studio you’ll work with other Hampton Roads, Virginia writers who are developing their craft.

The Muse's instructors are all working writers and published authors who have taught courses at colleges, universities, and other community organizations.

At the end of each workshop or studio session, The Muse hosts free, public readings in the Norfolk, Virginia (VA) area, which give all of our workshop and studio participants the opportunity to present their work to a supportive audience. Always well attended, our readings bring together the literary community here in Hampton Roads to celebrate our writers accomplishments.

The Muse is dedicated to broadening community awareness and support of the literary arts. Soon, in addition to offering writing classes, The Muse will be a resource center and a place for all writers in the Norfolk, Virginia (Hampton Roads, VA) area to come together, share ideas, and figure out what language can hold. Come to one of our events and learn more about us.

the muse gatherings at the boot

Join us each Wednesday evening at The Boot (123 W. 21st St., Ghent, Norfolk) for the Muse After Hours Gathering. We'll be there from 5:30-7 p.m. The Muse Gatherings are an informal get-together, and Muse teachers, students, and friends will enjoy conversation, drinks, and camaraderie. Wednesdays are also The Boot's Virginia Beer night, featuring more than 30 bottled and draft Virginia beers for $3. Join us!

the muse finds a home in west ghent

The Muse is excited to be renting our own space in West Ghent. Our new Muse Writers Center is situated diagonally from Orapax (Greek) Restaurant on the corner of Redgate Ave. and Orapax St. All of our Summer 2008 Writing Workshops and Studios will be held at this location. Directions and maps to our new location are available. Top of page.

other literary events around hampton roads

A good resouce for all Norfolk/Hampton Roads area Literary events, including readings and open-mics is Pete Freas and The Chesapeake Bay Poets. Top of page.

the muse granted non-profit status

We are excited to announce that The Muse: Writing Studio and Workshops is now a 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation. We are now beginning the process of applying for grants so we can have a permanent home for classroom space, readings space, meeting space, and a writers' resource center. Also, we will soon announce a Muse Membership program, members being eligible to receive discounts on classes and use of future space and resources. We will update this website soon with more information. Top of page.