During and after their time in the Essay Incubator, students have published widely in outlets like The New York Times, WBUR’s Cognoscenti, The Boston Globe, and more. Alumni have found literary success through winning writing awards, contests, and launching their writing careers by teaching and presenting at conferences and festivals. Below are some examples of what previous students have achieved through the program and what they've had to say about their experience.
Sara Schreur, Essay Incubator Alum 2022-23
“The Essay Incubator was a true life-changer for me. Without a traditional writing background, I’d always wondered—how do I actually do this? This program answered that for me…and then some. I learned crucial craft and publishing industry tools. Workshopping got me comfortable sharing and revising my work. And this supportive community is second to none. I now see a path that I never thought possible!”
Thuy Phan, Essay Incubator Alum 2022-23
“Enrolling in the Essay Incubator was the best thing I did for my development as a writer. The program gave me the confidence, community, encouragement, and accountability to keep going — especially with essays that required a lot of revisions. Ethan does an excellent job at teaching the craft of writing essays, facilitating inclusive workshops that are centered on the writer’s needs, providing actionable and helpful feedback that helped me get essays published, and bringing in outside perspectives from industry professionals (i.e. magazine editors and other published writers). If I could do a second year of Essay Incubator, I would!”
Judy McClure, Essay Incubator Alum 2020-21
“Wow, the Essay Incubator! What a ride. My facility with craft went from 0 to 60, my understanding of the genre has been magnified by a thousand, my comprehension of literary magazines and publishing is stronger, and my willingness to submit my work exceeds the goals I had going into this experience.”
Sarah Grimes, Essay Incubator Alum 2020-21
“It's been amazing to see behind the curtain with regards to submitting and publishing. The whole process used to feel so mysterious and insurmountable to me, but after doing this program I understand how the industry works, and it feels totally manageable—even exciting!”
Tom Kiely, Essay Incubator Alum 2019-20
“I learned an enormous amount about the genre, my writing, and new strategies in a very short period of time. It was an intense experience at times (e.g., meeting deadlines!)—and I loved every minute of it.”