Our Response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak

As a precaution to help limit the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) and care for our community, Just Buffalo Literary Center has postponed a number of events, and we will follow the guidance of Buffalo Public Schools in terms of Just Buffalo Writing Center programming.

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Just Buffalo Writing Workshops

Since 1982, Just Buffalo Literary Center has led the way for literary arts education in Western New York. The Just Buffalo Writing Center (JBWC) has long been a gathering place designed to aid young and emerging writers ages 12–18 in the cultivation of their writing skills, as well as adult writers of all ages and skill levels. But the JBWC is also a great resource for encouraging and supporting the teachers and schools in our community.

At this time, all January workshops will be conducted virtually only through February. Stay tuned for more updates regarding our continued commitment to the safety of our attendees and staff. (Tuesday, February 8, 2022)

December 2022
Fake Records, Real Feelings with Ariel Aberg-Riger
  • On Schedule

Fake Records, Real Feelings with Ariel Aberg-Riger

Can poetry be an object? Can art be a sound? Can you write a story through a song list? In this workshop, we’re going to back our way into building a narrative by creating fake records. We’ll get inspired by real albums and cover art, and then cut, glue, collage, paint, and write our own fictional albums. You’ll invent a band, name their album and all the songs inside (from hit single to b-side tracks), design a cardboard record and album cover sleeve, and see what true feelings emerge… ...
Tuesday, December 6, 2022
4:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Just Buffalo Writing Center
468 Washington Street, 2nd Floor, Buffalo, NY 14203
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Poetry & Performance with Youth Ambassador Liam
  • On Schedule

Poetry and Performance with JBWC Youth Ambassador, Liam

An introduction to the relationships between poetry and performance. We will discuss what separates performance poetry from standard poetics, how to approach writing for performance and specific performance techniques. ...
Thursday, December 8, 2022
4:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Just Buffalo Writing Center
468 Washington Street, 2nd Floor, Buffalo, NY 14203
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Open Share on December 13, 2022 at the Just Buffalo Writing Center
  • On Schedule

Open Share

Open Share is a time for you to share any of your creations/thoughts with peers. Poems, stories, comics, video games, drawings: we want to hear all about what you are making, whether you share your piece or just tell us your plans. Are you currently inspired by something (music, art, books, film, recent experiences)? You’re also invited to share your inspirations with us! ...
Tuesday, December 13, 2022
4:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Just Buffalo Writing Center
468 Washington Street, 2nd Floor, Buffalo, NY 14203
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Creative Writing Tactics with Dwight Coleman
  • On Schedule

Creative Writing Tactics and How to Beat Writer’s Block with JBWC alum Dwight Coleman (hybrid)

In this workshop students will explore different tactics when combating writer's block. Students will find comfort in the blocked experience and learn to revisit a project when the correct time is presented. Students will also explore the writing process away from the pen and explore the world outside of the pen. ...
Thursday, December 15, 2022
4:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Just Buffalo Writing Center
468 Washington Street, 2nd Floor, Buffalo, NY 14203
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Teachers Are Writers with Jillian Hanesworth
  • On Schedule

Teachers Are Writers with Jillian Hanesworth (Hybrid)

This teacher workshop series is aimed at school teachers and educators so they will have the opportunity to explore their own creative work, engage in ongoing conversations about process, and grow as writers. This workshop is FREE and limited to 10 in-person participants with the option to join virtually. CTLE credit is available through the Buffalo State English Education program. ...
Thursday, December 15, 2022
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Just Buffalo Writing Center
468 Washington Street, 2nd Floor, Buffalo, NY 14203
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Automatic Writing with Gabriel Bump
  • On Schedule

Automatic Writing with Gabriel Bump (hybrid)

In this one-hour workshop, we'll fall into our thoughts. Students will try to write without pausing, without second-guessing themselves. We'll get lost in our writing, find a trance-like state, stumble, maybe, onto something revelatory. For inspiration, we'll read excerpts from Ducks, Newburyport. ...
Tuesday, December 20, 2022
4:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Just Buffalo Writing Center
468 Washington Street, 2nd Floor, Buffalo, NY 14203
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Buffalo Writes with Justin Karcher
  • On Schedule

Buffalo Writes with Justin Karcher

Join us for a drop-in writing time facilitated by established writers from Just Buffalo. During this writing session, you will be offered generative writing prompts and tips, with the opportunity to share your work. Come and write among fellow writers and creatives in the heart of downtown at Just Buffalo Literary Center. ...
Wednesday, December 21, 2022
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Just Buffalo Literary Center
468 Washington St., 2nd Floor, Buffalo, NY
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Adult Writing Workshops

Our programs are designed for any level of writer, from beginner to advanced. Taught by established writers, hone your craft in a relaxed, nonjudgmental atmosphere.

Youth Writing Workshops

All youth writing workshops are FREE, aimed at young writers aged 12–18, currently virtual, and limited to 8 participants.

About the Writing Center

The Just Buffalo Writing Center provides access to writing workshops, literary events, and one-on-one assistance with all kinds of writing.

In-School Programming & Field Trips

One of Just Buffalo’s greatest strengths is our ability to reach students of all ages and abilities—gifted and talented, at-risk, or special needs—and we’re proud to work with public, private, Catholic, and charter schools, as well as community centers throughout Western New York.

Teacher Workshops

We believe that teachers are the most passionate, dedicated, and creative people on the planet, and we want to support their creativity. That’s why we created Teachers Are Writers: Writing Without The Curriculum—a happy hour-style writing workshop for teachers that meets monthly at the JBWC.

  • "The first time I read one of my poems out loud I felt powerful. I felt like after years of sitting in solitude, I was finally free to voice my thoughts and dreams. JBWC gave me that power."

    Hemingway, student

Wordplay Mural - Just Buffalo Literary Center

Wordplay: Student Anthology

Check out the best works written by Just Buffalo Writing Center students from over the years in our annual anthology of student writing.

Made-To-Order Poems - Just Buffalo Literary Center

Made-to-Order Poems

Order a poem on a topic of your choosing and support Buffalo’s next generation of literary voices. All poems are written by students of the Just Buffalo Writing Center.

John Cale Youth Writing Workshop - Just Buffalo Writing Center

Our Teaching Artists

Just Buffalo’s teaching artists represent the best of Western New York’s literary presence, from poetry and fiction to playwriting, non-fiction and beyond.

Become a Teaching Artist

Are you interested in becoming a Just Buffalo teaching artist? Find out what it takes to get involved in our creative writing workshops.

Volunteer

Want to help guide young writers? Sign up to work with teens 12–18 on writing and more during open hours at the JBWC.

Donate

We believe in the power of the literary arts to change individual lives and communities. Help us put that vision into action.

Where?

Just Buffalo Writing Center
468 Washington Street, 2nd Floor
Buffalo, NY 14203

When?

Tuesdays & Thursdays | 3:30 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Youth Writing Workshops begin at 4:30 p.m.

Who?

All workshops are FREE, aimed at young writers aged 12–18, and limited to 12 participants.