We offer our programs in school, off-site, and at our Central Austin writing center. Our goal is to offer support to students, teachers, and parents by providing creative writing workshops that incorporate a variety of writing styles through which we can strengthen a student’s understanding of the basic building blocks of writing and language and build confidence. It is our strong belief that better writing and reading skills lead to better learning.

We have also formed strong partnerships with other Austin arts and non-profit organizations, such as Theater Action Project, the Austin Public Library Foundation, and the Austin Film Society, to name a few. Through these partnerships, we hope to reach even more students and budding young authors throughout Austin’s city limits.

    • In-School Support:

  • We work to support teachers, bringing in teams of volunteers that work in small groups or one on one with students on creative writing projects. The goal is to leave students feeling confident in their ability to write and empowered to express themselves through creative writing in the future. Each year, we create an anthology or project (comic book, fairytale, dream diary, album) that compiles the best writing from the school year so each student walks away a published author.

    • Workshops:

  • Our workshop offerings range from the sorely needed (College Essay Writing, SAT Prep) to the totally awesome (Screenwriting, Songwriting, Hip Hop Poetry). We bring in local writers and artists to teach this series of workshops. Past workshop leaders have included: Elizabeth Crane, Wells Tower, Jake Silverstein, and staffers from Austin Monthly. Many of these workshops are hosted at our writing center on West Eleventh Street, but also at sites around town, such as public libraries and the University of Texas campus. Click here to see our current workshop offerings or go to http://austinbatcave.org/workshops.

    • After-School Tutoring:

  • Our after-school tutoring program is currently on hold as we search for a new storefront and writing center in East Austin. The new location will allow us to better connect students with tutors in a creative and dynamic workspace. Please check back in January 2011 for more information.

    • Teen Girls Book Group:

  • This book group for teen girls reads contemporary, classic, and young adult novels. Group is led by S. Kirk Walsh. Next book: “Special Topics in Calamity Physics” by Marisha Pessl. Meeting: Monday, October 18, 5–6pm. Ages 13–16. For more information or to sign up, email info@austinbatcave.org.

    • Programs for Adult Writers:

  • Adult Writing Group: A recently established weekly writing group and workshop, the Bat Cave Writers’ Cafe is designed for adult writers seeking a supportive, creative community of writers as well as inspiration, motivation, and writing tips. All genres—from comedy writing to poetry—are welcomed at this workshop. Please note: This workshop is designed for adults over 21. Email us for more information: volunteer@austinbatcave.org.
  • This fall, Austin Bat Cave presents its second series of creative writing workshops for adults. To read about these workshops and to learn how to register for them, visit our Adult Programming page.