U-M Helen Zell Writers’ Program : Home

Welcome to the Helen Zell Writers’ Program

The Helen Zell Writers’ Program is a two-year 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. We select students with demonstrated talent and expose them to a variety of approaches to the craft of writing.

Public Readings & Events

Recorded Readings & Media

Zell Family Foundation Gives $50 Million for Creative Writing

U-M receives $50 million from Zell Family Foundation, led by alumna Helen Zell, for Creative Writing Program.
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Paisley Rekdal and francine j. harris 2013 Tufts Finalists

Paisley Rekdal (MFA '96) is a finalist for the Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award, and francine j. harris (MFA '11) for the Kate Tufts Discovery Award.
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Douglas Trevor Reading at Nicola's Books

9/10/2013
Time:7:00
Location: Nicola's Books

Peter Orner Fiction Reading

9/12/2013
Time:5:10
Location: UMMA Helmut Stern Auditorium

Michael McGriff & Malena Mörling: A Conversation Co-Hosted by One Pause Poetry

9/19/2013
Time:5:10
Location: UMMA Helmut Stern Auditorium

Tom Bissell Nonfiction Reading

9/26/2013
Time:5:10
Location: UMMA Helmut Stern Auditorium