Advanced Literary Writing

Blair’s Advanced Literary Writing program offers the School’s most talented and intellectually ambitious writers the opportunity to undertake sustained, original literary scholarship and creative production at an advanced level. Working in genres such as fiction, narrative nonfiction, drama, poetry and literary or arts criticism, students engage deeply with both the craft and analytical study of writing while producing a substantial, self-directed manuscript over three semesters.

The program is led by veteran English department chair Jim Moore, Hon. ’93, who has taught at Blair since 1990. A graduate of Cornell University, Moore has pursued advanced study in literature at Georgetown University and Drew University and business at the University of Rochester. Under his mentorship, students are challenged to read critically, write extensively and revise rigorously while developing the discipline and independence expected of serious writers and scholars.

The course begins in the spring with an intensive exploration of literary forms, close reading and proposal development. During the following summer and school year, students design and execute an ambitious long-form project, engaging in ongoing workshops, faculty critique and sustained revision. Emphasizing intellectual risk-taking, analytical precision and mastery of craft, the program mirrors the expectations of advanced collegiate humanities study and prepares students to pursue future work in writing and scholarship.