Dearest readers, We're so thrilled to share our fall class lineup with you! We've got everything from a masterclass led by an iconic science fiction writer, to a 9-week novel incubator available in two convenient formats. Registration for fall classes closes when seats sell out, or 7 days before class starts, whichever comes first. Classes are already starting to fill up, so don't procrastinate if you see something you like. |
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Applying for financial aid is quick and easy. Just visit this link, fill out the application, and follow the instructions on the final page. Please read everything very carefully; it only takes a few minutes, but if you rush through, you might miss something important. While filling out the application, those who meet the eligibility requirements will be invited to apply for a merit scholarship at the same time. If you decide you'd like to apply, you'll be asked to upload a short writing sample and statement — if selected, we'll fully refund your discounted tuition before the class starts. Here are a few other ways we're making classes financially accessible: - While applying for aid, students can request free bus tickets for their in-person classes. With SEPTA prices on the rise, we're happy to cover your ride to and from class.
- We're now providing light snacks at our in-person classes — it's tough to learn on an empty stomach, and free snacks help level the playing field.
- Payment plans are available for all classes, even if you're not eligible for our financial aid program. Just select Klarna/Afterpay at checkout. Not eligible for Klarna/Afterpay? We've got a backup option. More info on our FAQ page!
One last thing: I'm always hearing people say they're not a good enough or “real” enough writer to sign up for classes. Swap out writing for any other skill and you'll see how silly that sounds: Imagine saying “I'm not a good enough swimmer to take swimming lessons.” Blue Stoop is meant to be a welcoming and supportive place for people of all educational backgrounds to level up their writing skills — including you! In solidarity, Julian Shendelman
Co-Director P.S. You can help us keep classes and programs accessible with a one-time or recurring donation of any amount. Just tap the button below to get started! |
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- Wednesday, 9/10, 3:30 – 5:30pm ET: Creative Coworking. Drop-in coworking with peers over Zoom. Write, edit, read, daydream, or whatever best serves your literary life. (FREE/VIRTUAL)
- Thursday, 9/11, 4:00 – 5:00pm ET: Thursdays on the Stoop: Better Worlds Through Radical Imagination with Zo Williams. Radical Imagination means studying the rigid systems around us, acknowledging how they limit our imaginations, and dreaming beyond oppressive barriers. In this free hour-long session, we'll discuss the concept of Radical Imagination and explore ways to apply it to our writing practices. Participants will walk away with new creative strategies for building worlds and stories without leaning on what is "traditional" or "expected." (FREE/VIRTUAL)
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Got an event, organization, business, or book to promote? |
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Event title M. L. Rio Signing and Discussion of HOT WAX Start time 9/10/2025 6:00pm Location Barnes & Noble Philadelphia, 1708 Chestnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19103 Description Join M.L. Rio and Barnes & Noble Philadelphia on Wednesday, September 10th at Barnes & Noble Philadelphia (1708 Chestnut Street) for a discussion of Hot Wax: A Novel, a vivid and immersive tale of one woman’s reckless mission to make sense of the events that shattered her childhood, and made her who she is. The author will be in conversation with Jiordan Castle. Link Contact info g.passistant24@gmail.com Cost $0-$36 ~~~~~ Event title Bring Your Own Book Review Start time 9/13/2025 1:00pm Location Athenaeum of Philadelphia. 219 S 6th St. Description Join the Athenaeum Young Friends (35yo & younger) for Bring Your Own Book Review! Come discuss your latest read, share your thoughts (good or bad) and connect with other readers during our monthly club. Link Contact info events@athenaonline.org Cost $10 ~~~~~ Event title Trans By Trans Book Club - Hijab Butch Blues by Lamya H. Start time 9/16/2025 6:00pm Location Virtual Description Join us on the third Tuesday of each month for a virtual citywide book club for trans and nonbinary adult readers! More books are written by and for trans and nonbinary people than ever before, and the Free Library wants YOU to read them with us! Join us on the third Tuesday of each month for a virtual citywide book club for trans and nonbinary adult readers. Each month, we will read books written by trans and nonbinary authors and discuss trans imagination, writing craft, the art of creating our lives, and more. Free paperback copies of our titles are available for pre-registered attendees upon request. Advanced registration is required to attend. If you have any questions regarding this program, please contact parkf@freelibrary.org. Link Contact info parkf@freelibrary.org Cost Free to attend and free paperback copies of our titles are available for pre-registered attendees upon request. |
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1315 Walnut Street, Suite 300
Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States |
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