October 19, 2026 - June 26, 2027

This nine-month, comprehensive and intensive novel writing workshop, led by New York Times bestselling author Jonathan Evison, provides an in-depth experience in developing your novel-in-progress, or reimagining a completed draft of your novel. The workshop will explore all aspects of the novel writing process from dramatic structure to character development, to achieving thematic cohesion in your work, with a focus on activating the reader, and bringing your story to life on the page in an indelible way.  

The workshop begins in October of 2026 with a weeklong session on the Centrum campus in beautiful Port Townsend’s Fort Worden, where participants will roll up their sleeves and dive into craft, narrative structure, and thematic depth. Following this initial in-person gathering, the workshop continues with twice-monthly online meetings and monthly packet submissions, allowing for ongoing peer critique and guidance as you refine your story, structure, and style. 

In addition to Jonathan Evison's mentorship, the course includes virtual guest sessions with acclaimed authors like Stewart O'Nan (Last Night at the Lobster), Jami Attenberg (The Middlesteins), and Lidia Yuknavitch (The Chronology of Water). In addition, a professional developmental editor, a prominent literary agent, and a small press publisher (TBD) will also join to discuss the craft and industry aspects of novel writing). 

The workshop culminates in June of 2027 with a final weeklong retreat on campus in Port Townsend. During this closing session, participants will have the opportunity to complete their drafts, refine their projects, and discuss pathways for sharing their work with the world. This experience is designed to immerse writers in a supportive community, providing the structure, feedback, and inspiration to bring their novels to life. 

Applications are accepted May 1 – September 1, 2026. To apply, click the “Register Now” button on this page. Applications must include a 500-word statement describing the novel project you intend to work on while attending the workshop, as well as a sample of your writing up to 5 pages in length. Applicants will be notified of admittance no later than September 15, 2026, in preparation for the first in-person retreat in late October, 2026. 

You must be 18 or older to attend this workshop.

Costs:

Long Form Tuition, $7750

Capped at 12 participants. Applications are accepted May 1, 2026 - September 1, 2026. Centrum staff and Jonanthan Evison will select applicants by September 1, 2026. Tuition includes two in-person, weeklong sessions with Jonathan Evison during a fall retreat (October 19-25, 2026) and summer retreat (June 20-26, 2027) at Fort Worden State Park on the shores of the Salish Sea in Port Townsend, Washington. Tuition includes housing and meals during in-person retreats. Tuition does not include travel.

Accepted applicants will have the option to pay tuition, less their deposit, in one payment by October 19, 2026 for a 10% discount, or they can pay full tuition less their deposit by making payments of $800 on the 1st of every month from October 2026 through June 2027.   

Deadlines:

There is a $550 deposit to apply.  

Applicants will be notified of admittance by September 15, 2026. If this period needs to be extended, applicants will be notified by Centrum staff. If not admitted to the workshop, the $550 deposit will be refunded. No refunds for payments made, including deposits, will be issued for cancellation by accepted applicants after September 15, 2026.

Tuition must be paid in full by October 19, 2026 or June 1, 2027 depending on payment track.

Important. Please read carefully: We try to take every safety precaution we can to ensure we can meet together in-person at Fort Worden State Park. As such, if the workshop is unable to operate in-person due to inclement weather, sudden viral or infectious disease risks or another unforeseen event, we are able to pivot to an online-only platform and maintain a quality of instruction. Dates, times and faculty for the workshop will remain the same.