We welcome people of all identities, races, abilities, and interests. We share an inclusive, generous, and heart-centered point of view, and are committed to cultivating a culture of empathy and insight.
We believe in the transformative power of creativity and that writing is a contemplative practice.
Our teachers are knowledgeable and skilled in teaching the nuances of craft. They’re not just successful writers, they’re also past students. They have been where you are and can help guide you through our programs.
You can enjoy our programs from home, or wherever feels most comfortable. But that doesn’t mean you’re left on your own. In our discussion forums and small classrooms, you can get the support and engagement you need.
Discover more about the school, guest mentors, and special programs, plus get craft advice, tutorials, book recommendations and updates from Sarah.
Ready to become a writer? This five-month program brings a philosophy of compassion into a serious curriculum, and gives you the feedback, deadlines, and accountability you need to be successful. Work with a mentor and a small writing group and learn new techniques that help you write well in any genre. Finish what you start, and bring joy into your creative process.
Become a writer. Aug 2023 to Jan 2024.
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Want to meet other writers? Log in for support and conversation in a writing community you’ll love. Find a writing partner and enjoy daily writing prompts, feedback, and monthly workshops that help you grow as a writer. Be more productive! Join co-writing sessions, work with guest mentors, discover what writers are reading, share your work in our live readings, and more.
Find your writing community.
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Can you learn to become a good writer? YES! Learn craft, style, and technique, and make your writing more meaningful. The Story Course is our foundational program, and helps you write in a new and better way, using emotion, description, self-care, and courage. This is a self-paced program that teaches you how to become a writer without a degree. Recommended for all writers.
Start writing now. Registration always open.
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“For those asking about writing, motivation, blocks: check out the Story Course. Smart, encouraging, practical.”
— Margaret Atwood
“I am so glad I pressed that button that registered me for this class. Why postpone joy? We deserve it, yes?”
— Karen Florek
““I’m so glad I decided to take [The Story Course]. I haven’t written (creatively) in a long time, and I can’t figure out why. All of a sudden, just by being here, I’m starting to write again, and most importantly, I’m feeling excited about it.””
Diane Fleming
“Athough I’ve done many intense weeklong writing workshops with Giller and Booker nominated authors, my experience in last fall’s Story Intensive was one of the best writing courses I’ve taken.”
Tena Laing
“Using Centered to enrich my writing practice has done wonders for my state of mind and my writing. It keeps me connected to my creativity, even when I am struggling to produce work in my own practice. It reminds me to write for pleasure.”
Diana Dinerman
“I am writing. I am thinking about writing. Thank you!”
MaryAnne Roberto
S arah Selecky started this school to help writers centre their relationship with writing, learn excellent craft and technique, and nourish their spirit as they work. Her first book, This Cake Is for the Party, was a finalist for the Scotiabank Giller Prize, shortlisted for the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize for Best First Book, and longlisted for the Frank O’Connor International Short Story Award. Her second book, Radiant Shimmering Light, was published in Canada, Australia and New Zealand, the U.K., the U.S., and Poland. It's been optioned for television and will be a premium one-hour series.
Visit Sarah on her website.
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e’ve been offering vibrant online creative writing programs since 2010. Our holistic approach teaches writers how to cultivate a trust in mystery as they learn their craft, so they can have a healthy and happy professional writing life.
We believe that skill comes from study and practice, that magic happens when we create, and that our writing thrives when we are part of a supportive community.
