Writing is an act of bravery.

BE BRAVE
Two women sitting at a table in a room, one with curly hair and a gray t-shirt and the other with long hair and a blue jacket. The woman with curly hair appears to be talking or explaining something, with her hands raised. The table has a water glass, a disposable coffee cup, and a black water bottle.

At the MWS, we believe . . .

  • No writer should leave a workshop feeling bad about their writing.

  • Every writer has a story that’s worth telling.

  • A good workshop offers craft advice writers can use right away.

  • You’re a writer even if you haven’t (yet) published.

  • Writing is one of the best ways to spend your energy and time.

All writers deserve close reading and thoughtful feedback — and we provide it.

Authors Michelle Wildgen and Susanna Daniel started the Madison Writers’ Studio in 2013 to provide MFA-level support to writers of fiction and creative nonfiction — without snobbery, judgment, or gate-keeping.

How We Support Writers

Workshops

We have decades of experience leading intimate, high-level workshops for writers of all levels of experience.

Coaching

Writing is like any other practice — writers thrive when we have deadlines, feedback, and encouragement.

Editing

Get the nuts-and-bolts craft feedback and revision support you need to take your work to the next level.

Upcoming Workshops + Classes

Coming up
Two-Minute Pitch Workshop
May 1
Two-Minute Pitch Workshop
Spring Writing Collective
May 12
Spring Writing Collective
The Tricky Art of Autofiction
May 12
The Tricky Art of Autofiction
Write a Story in a Day
May 23
Write a Story in a Day
Revise Your Book
Jun 13
Revise Your Book
Write a Book in a Year 2027 / in person
Jan 20
Write a Book in a Year 2027 / in person
Write a Book in a Year 2027 / live on Zoom
Jan 28
Write a Book in a Year 2027 / live on Zoom

In the words of our writers

  • “The bits of writing advice you give us at the beginning of a session always land perfectly for me. And I like when you ask someone how it’s going at the end. Every time I hear people who are writers talk about writing, I feel renewed in my own desire to get what I think down on paper.”

    — Shirley S.

  • “I loved this class, and I think Michelle is a great editor and teacher. I will definitely take another class! The format – a round table discussion with peer and instructor feedback – was one that I found to be very helpful. I liked that people were encouraged, by the instructor’s example, to be very honest instead of giving insincere or inflated reviews…. I saw a noticeable improvement in my writing from the start of the class to the end.”

    — Jenny

  • “A+++ Excellent encouraging feedback, useful, specific, and perceptive. Your written critiques of my workshop pieces gave me wonderful clear guidelines for revision. I am deeply appreciative.”

    — Janice

  • “THANK YOU for your guidance during the Book in a Year workshop. Your feedback during our workshops helped me move forward month to month, and I recently went back to review your comments on my submissions and incorporate your editing suggestions before finalizing my first draft. Wow!"

    — Sarah Z B

  • “Susanna has helped my writing by always sharing honest and clear reactions paired with achievable suggestions to action. I learned early on this year that I could trust her, that she was paying close attention, and truly cared about our success as developing writers.”

    — Andy

  • "In the process of completing a comprehensive edit, Susanna took my long, unwieldy manuscript, cut about a quarter, resulting in a clean, tight read with enhanced flow and narrative drive, but no loss of plot or characterization. Susanna composed dozens of suggested inserted lines of prose, just about all of which were made part of the novel."

    Peter Barbella, author of DO YOU TAKE THESE MEN?

  • “It’s rare to get a nurturing environment coupled with a deep, productive critique for one’s work. You set the bar high for writing workshops.”

    — Kyle W.

  • “Candlewood is a far better book (and I am a far better writer) for the company and programs I encountered through the Madison Writers Studio. ”

    — Kate Fletemeyer, author of Candlewood

  • "You set a great tone and your editorial instincts are superb. I've loved our group and everyone's books, all of them, and the whole thing has been my favorite part of my life this year. One of my favorite things ever."

    — Bill

  • “Without being too simple – I loved it! And yes I will do it again, and if I knew anyone who was serious about being a better writer, I would recommend the classes.”

    Mary F.

  • “I loved the class. I was in awe of (and totally intimidated by) the talent I was in company with. I found their pieces brave and inspiring. I was thankful to be there as they shared. The readings and assignments got my brain going again”

    Stephanie R.

  • “The combination of your competence and caring has made the editing process a productive and positive experience. I am most appreciative.”

    — Peter B.

  • “I want to tell you how truly grateful I am for your amazing workshops, your thoughtful feedback, and the open and nurturing environment you created. I’m super grateful.”

    — Curt

  • “Given the quality and abundance of the feedback from the instructor and classmates, I found this class to be the best value as well. You get your money’s worth, and more.”

    — Julie

  • “For me, this was a great re-entry into the practice of writing. I would take another class. It’s a wonderful resource for people from all walks of life who want to write.”

    — Zara

  • “You’ve just been a fantastic inspiration to me all year. I really can’t begin to say how much I appreciate your encouragement and help, and getting to come to your workshops. I would not have committed to this novel without your support. ”

    — Jim C.

  • “This reminded me of the joy I used to feel in learning new skills and trying new things. I’ve already started the next MWS class.”

    — Deb

  • "The structure of the course is well crafted and I could see immediately that the instructor took great care in navigating such a vulnerable space and experience and making it into a fantastic opportunity to become a better writer. It was one of the most valuable experiences I’ve had and I’ve taken a LOT of writing courses. I can’t recommend this course enough.”

    — Sara A.

  • “Feedback was amazing! I had come from a situation where every few months I was writing a story for a story share show and I had garnered a reputation of being a skilled and talented writer who didn’t need feedback. If I was struggling people would just tell me I’d work it out and they weren’t worried, never mind that I was. It was so refreshing to have feedback no matter what. It renewed me as a writer.”

    — S.

  • “Thank you for what you have done. You have such a gift for communication and writing. I loved all the pearls and lessons you left along the way. I’m also grateful for the encouraging remarks you left, they often kept me going. ”

    — Jeff H.

  • “The class was a big step for me to sign up for it, in the sense of stepping outside my comfort zone and letting someone else look at my writing. I never felt ill at ease.”

    — John

  • “It was the best writing class I’ve ever taken. I would absolutely take another class. The feedback was probably the most valuable part of the class. It was thorough and really showed that the instructor cared about the students and content.”

    — Cristalyne

  • “I felt that the group was respectful of the individuals while being honest with each other. Susanna fostered that environment and made it look easy.”

    — Tami

  • “I really appreciated the critiques Michelle gave me for my work, which were generous and also interested. After reading them, I felt like I had a lot more options and could see my pieces in a different way, which was empowering.”

    — Erinn