Program Overview

Introduction to the Helen Zell Writers' Program

The Helen Zell Writers' Program is a two-year, fully-funded graduate program in creative writing leading to the Master of Fine Arts degree. Students concentrate in either fiction or poetry. Applicants must submit portfolios of their writing in one of these genres, and should have sufficient training in literature to succeed in courses at the graduate level.

Program Overview

The program selects students with demonstrated talent and exposes them to a variety of approaches to the craft of writing. The Helen Zell Writers' Program is part of the English Department at the University of Michigan.

Program Details

• The program is a two-year, fully-funded graduate program.
• Students concentrate in either fiction or poetry.
• Applicants must submit portfolios of their writing in one of these genres.
• Sufficient training in literature is required to succeed in courses at the graduate level.

Program Events

The program features several events, including:

• Zell Visiting Writers Series
• Mark Webster Reading Series (MFA Second Year)
• J. Edgar Edwards Reading Series (MFA First Year)

Notable Achievements

HZWP Alumna Jesmyn Ward won the 2017 National Book Award.

Program Philosophy

Helen Zell has said: "Books have the power to inspire and change people, to create action, to generate movements, and to better understand those qualities that are uniquely human. We want to capture important stories that might otherwise go untold."