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. Stay tuned for more updates regarding our continued commitment to the safety of our attendees and staff. (Wednesday, January 12, 2022)

January 2022
Story Sharing Circle on Climate Change

Story Sharing Circle on Climate Change with Ujima Company (Hybrid)

At this time, all January workshops will be conducted virtually only. During this special session, we’ll embark on a story sharing circle with the young artists/performers of Ujima Company considering these questions. Then we’ll create art (all genres welcome) to process our stories and the conversation. This youth writing workshop is FREE, aimed at young students aged 12–18, and limited to 10 in-person participants with the option to join virtually. ...
Thursday, January 27, 2022
4:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Just Buffalo Writing Center
468 Washington Street, 2nd Floor, Buffalo, NY 14203
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February 2022
Cardioversion with Julio Valentin

Cardioversion with Julio Montalvo Valentín (Hybrid)

We are often told to write our hearts into the page. Just as often, we find that many things we write feel incomplete or sound “off-beat.” This workshop aims to identify the heart defects in past pieces of poetry and prose, and utilize “cardioversion:” a form of revision that shocks rhyme and/or rhythm into being. This youth writing workshop is FREE, aimed at young students aged 12–18, and limited to 10 in-person participants with the option to join virtually. ...
Tuesday, February 1, 2022
4:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Just Buffalo Writing Center
468 Washington Street, 2nd Floor, Buffalo, NY 14203
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Curious Essays with Laura Marris

Curious Essays with Laura Marris (Hybrid)

In this two-part writing workshop, we will explore the unfolding beauty of the essay form and the ways it can capture your curiosity on the page. This adult writing workshop is limited to 12 in-person participants with the option to join virtually. ...
Saturday, February 5, 2022
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Just Buffalo Writing Center
468 Washington Street, 2nd Floor, Buffalo, NY 14203
Get Tickets Now View Event
Office Hours

Office Hours (Hybrid)

At this time, all January workshops will be conducted virtually only. Office Hours is a space (and time) where young people can receive one-on-one feedback on any of type of writing. This youth writing workshop is FREE, aimed at young students aged 12–18, and limited to 10 in-person participants with the option to join virtually. ...
Tuesday, February 8, 2022
3:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Just Buffalo Writing Center
468 Washington Street, 2nd Floor, Buffalo, NY 14203
Get Tickets Now View Event
Just Buffalo Writing Center - Open Share - Youth Workshop 2022

Open Share (Hybrid)

At this time, all January workshops will be conducted virtually only. Open Share is a time for you to share any of your creations, thoughts, and inspirations with peers. This youth writing workshop is FREE, aimed at young students aged 12–18, and limited to 10 in-person participants with the option to join virtually. ...
Thursday, February 10, 2022
3:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Just Buffalo Writing Center
468 Washington Street, 2nd Floor, Buffalo, NY 14203
Get Tickets Now View Event
Teachers Are Writers with Katie Naughton

Teachers Are Writers with Katie Naughton (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, February 10, 2022
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Just Buffalo Writing Center
468 Washington Street, 2nd Floor, Buffalo, NY 14203
Get Tickets Now View Event
Curious Essays with Laura Marris

Curious Essays with Laura Marris (Hybrid)

In this two-part writing workshop, we will explore the unfolding beauty of the essay form and the ways it can capture your curiosity on the page. This adult writing workshop is limited to 12 in-person participants with the option to join virtually. ...
Saturday, February 12, 2022
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Just Buffalo Writing Center
468 Washington Street, 2nd Floor, Buffalo, NY 14203
Get Tickets Now View Event
Building Character with Richie Wills

Building Character with Richie Wills (Hybrid)

In this workshop we will explore how to go about creating characters that shape your narrative and what makes a reader care deeply about a character to the point where they remember them long after reading. This youth writing workshop is FREE, aimed at young students aged 12–18, and limited to 10 in-person participants with the option to join virtually. ...
Tuesday, February 15, 2022
4:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Just Buffalo Writing Center
468 Washington Street, 2nd Floor, Buffalo, NY 14203
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LeRoi's Universe with LeRoi Johnson

LeRoi’s Universe: Writing Inside Paintings w/ Burchfield Penney Art Center & LeRoi Johnson (Hybrid)

During this workshop, we’ll write inspired by the universes inside the paintings of Buffalo-based artist LeRoi Johnson. This youth writing workshop is FREE, aimed at young students aged 12–18, and limited to 10 in-person participants with the option to join virtually. ...
Thursday, February 17, 2022
4:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Just Buffalo Writing Center
468 Washington Street, 2nd Floor, Buffalo, NY 14203
Get Tickets Now View Event
March 2022
Japanese Manga with Max Weiss

Japanese Manga Workshop with Max Weiss (Hybrid)

Are you a fan of Sailor Moon, Naruto, or One Piece? What about popular anime titles such as Cowboy Bebop, Dragon Ball Z, or the films of Hayoao Miyazaki? This youth writing workshop is FREE, aimed at young students aged 12–18, and limited to 10 in-person participants with the option to join virtually. ...
Tuesday, March 1, 2022
4:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Just Buffalo Writing Center
468 Washington Street, 2nd Floor, Buffalo, NY 14203
Get Tickets Now View Event
The Everday Memori with Mike Scalise

The Everyday Memoir with Mike Scalise (Hybrid)

In this three-session adult writing workshop, we will search everywhere but our bookshelves for the building blocks of essays and memoirs, then use what we find to improve our personal writing in new, exciting ways. This adult writing workshop is limited to 12 in-person participants with the option to join virtually. ...
Wednesday, March 2, 2022
7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Just Buffalo Writing Center
468 Washington Street, 2nd Floor, Buffalo, NY 14203
Get Tickets Now View Event
Trends, Fads, and Phases in Color with Danny Merlino

Trends, Fads, and Phases: In Color! with Danny Merlino (Hybrid)

This youth writing workshop centers around the works of cartoonist Alison Bechdel and her graphic novels, The Secret to Superhuman Strength, which is featured in her 2022 BABEL visit, as well as Fun Home. This youth writing workshop is FREE, aimed at young students aged 12–18, and limited to 10 in-person participants with the option to join virtually. ...
Thursday, March 3, 2022
4:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Just Buffalo Writing Center
468 Washington Street, 2nd Floor, Buffalo, NY 14203
Get Tickets Now View Event
Office Hours

Office Hours (Hybrid)

At this time, all January workshops will be conducted virtually only. Office Hours is a space (and time) where young people can receive one-on-one feedback on any of type of writing. This youth writing workshop is FREE, aimed at young students aged 12–18, and limited to 10 in-person participants with the option to join virtually. ...
Tuesday, March 8, 2022
3:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Just Buffalo Writing Center
468 Washington Street, 2nd Floor, Buffalo, NY 14203
Get Tickets Now View Event
The Everday Memori with Mike Scalise

The Everyday Memoir with Mike Scalise (Hybrid)

In this three-session adult writing workshop, we will search everywhere but our bookshelves for the building blocks of essays and memoirs, then use what we find to improve our personal writing in new, exciting ways. This adult writing workshop is limited to 12 in-person participants with the option to join virtually. ...
Wednesday, March 9, 2022
7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Just Buffalo Writing Center
468 Washington Street, 2nd Floor, Buffalo, NY 14203
Get Tickets Now View Event
Just Buffalo Writing Center - Open Share - Youth Workshop 2022

Open Share (Hybrid)

At this time, all January workshops will be conducted virtually only. Open Share is a time for you to share any of your creations, thoughts, and inspirations with peers. This youth writing workshop is FREE, aimed at young students aged 12–18, and limited to 10 in-person participants with the option to join virtually. ...
Thursday, March 10, 2022
3:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Just Buffalo Writing Center
468 Washington Street, 2nd Floor, Buffalo, NY 14203
Get Tickets Now View Event
Teachers Are Writers with D. Arthur

Teachers Are Writers with D. Arthur (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, March 10, 2022
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Just Buffalo Writing Center
468 Washington Street, 2nd Floor, Buffalo, NY 14203
Get Tickets Now View Event
Office Hours

Office Hours (Hybrid)

At this time, all January workshops will be conducted virtually only. Office Hours is a space (and time) where young people can receive one-on-one feedback on any of type of writing. This youth writing workshop is FREE, aimed at young students aged 12–18, and limited to 10 in-person participants with the option to join virtually. ...
Tuesday, March 22, 2022
3:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Just Buffalo Writing Center
468 Washington Street, 2nd Floor, Buffalo, NY 14203
Get Tickets Now View Event
The Everday Memori with Mike Scalise

The Everyday Memoir with Mike Scalise (Hybrid)

In this three-session adult writing workshop, we will search everywhere but our bookshelves for the building blocks of essays and memoirs, then use what we find to improve our personal writing in new, exciting ways. This adult writing workshop is limited to 12 in-person participants with the option to join virtually. ...
Wednesday, March 23, 2022
7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Just Buffalo Writing Center
468 Washington Street, 2nd Floor, Buffalo, NY 14203
Get Tickets Now View Event
Just Buffalo Writing Center - Open Share - Youth Workshop 2022

Open Share (Hybrid)

At this time, all January workshops will be conducted virtually only. Open Share is a time for you to share any of your creations, thoughts, and inspirations with peers. This youth writing workshop is FREE, aimed at young students aged 12–18, and limited to 10 in-person participants with the option to join virtually. ...
Thursday, March 24, 2022
3:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Just Buffalo Writing Center
468 Washington Street, 2nd Floor, Buffalo, NY 14203
Get Tickets Now View Event
Automatic Writing with Gabriel Bump

Automatic Writing with Gabriel Bump (Hybrid)

In this 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. This youth writing workshop is FREE, aimed at young students aged 12–18, and limited to 10 in-person participants with the option to join virtually. ...
Tuesday, March 29, 2022
4:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Just Buffalo Writing Center
468 Washington Street, 2nd Floor, Buffalo, NY 14203
Get Tickets Now View Event
End Of The World Summit with Birch Kinsey

End of the World Summit with Birch Kinsey (Hybrid)

In this workshop we’ll create characters and lore imagining a summit to stop the end of the world. Then, in Dungeons & Dragons-style, we’ll improv our way through the summit and, hopefully, towards the saving of our future planet. This youth writing workshop is FREE, aimed at young students aged 12–18, and limited to 10 in-person participants with the option to join virtually. ...
Thursday, March 31, 2022
4:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Just Buffalo Writing Center
468 Washington Street, 2nd Floor, Buffalo, NY 14203
Get Tickets Now View Event
April 2022
Office Hours

Office Hours (Hybrid)

At this time, all January workshops will be conducted virtually only. Office Hours is a space (and time) where young people can receive one-on-one feedback on any of type of writing. This youth writing workshop is FREE, aimed at young students aged 12–18, and limited to 10 in-person participants with the option to join virtually. ...
Tuesday, April 5, 2022
3:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Just Buffalo Writing Center
468 Washington Street, 2nd Floor, Buffalo, NY 14203
Get Tickets Now View Event
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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.

  • "Before coming here I had never let anyone outside of my family read my writing. The JBWC gave me new ways to look at my stories and helped me develop new techniques."

    Reatha, 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, Wednesdays*, & Thursdays | 3:30 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Youth Writing Workshops begin at 4:30 p.m.
*Wednesdays are open workshops.

Who?

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