For 25 years, The Great Smokies Writing Program has offered university-level community classes for writers of all experience levels in Western North Carolina and beyond. In-state tuition is highly affordable, and each course carries academic credit awarded through UNC Asheville, but students need not be enrolled in a degree-granting program. We offer a number of full scholarships to in-state residents with financial need each year.

Our program allows writers to join a supportive learning community and to enjoy the mentorship of professional writers. We also host numerous events at UNCA and other venues in the Asheville area, which are open to the public, including readings, craft talks, and panels with writers, editors, and publishing professionals.