This workshop cemented my passion for writing and it was without a doubt the best experience of my academic career.
Elaine C. Rooney, SPD Student
Walking into the first class at Stony Brook Manhattan, I’m not sure what made me more nervous: that it was being taught by Matt Klam, ‘Whoa!’ or that it was going to be 7 hours long, ‘Ugh.’ Both of these worries quickly dissipated and by the time the first day of class ended, I’d decided that Matt was one of the best creative writing teachers I’d ever had and that at the end of 7 hours I was left wanting more. Matt was insightful, relevant, and energetic. The readings he chose for us were directly related to issues we were struggling with in our own writing, and his feedback on our work was second to none. My fellow students were engaging, encouraging, and fun to be around. Most importantly, though, the workshop environment was a safe and non-judgmental place to write, share, discuss, and create new work. I look forward to all that the new program at Stony Brook Manhattan has to offer.
Suzanna Filip, MFA Program student
The Inaugural Manhattan Intensive was spectacular. As has been my experience of other Stony Brook Southampton Writing Courses, this was the best type of gathering in which to learn and be inspired and energized to continue. For me, each has its benefits. Of course, Southampton is beautiful and the very surroundings and immersion with readings and living together provides a wonderful freedom and writing space. I couldn't have anticipated how such an environment could have been created in the middle of NYC one day a week. It was. Not only was it convenient for me to fit the intensive into my usually busy NYC life, but, during these hours, I was in a womb and an environment created by the focus, company, thoughts and thoughtfulness of others, all led by Matt Klam.
Judith Caporale, SPD Student
As a graduate of the Southampton MFA program, I was already well aware of Matt Klam’s brilliance as a teacher: conscientious, thoughtful, funny, insightful, encouraging, and entertaining. So I jumped on the opportunity to take a class with him again, this time a series of day-long intensives in Manhattan. Just as I had hoped, the days flew by, and my creative brain, which had been dormant for far too long, was suddenly stimulated. I left every class excited to return home and write.
Sally Jane Kerschen-Sheppard, MFA Program graduate
It's no small task to keep a class engaged for eight hours, four Saturdays in a row—especially as the semester winds down. But that's exactly what Matt Klam did. With energy, humor, and thoughtful feedback, Matt made the class both a workshop and a means for producing new work. Writing prompts that include a minivan full of tomato sauce, a ghost, and a single tear are bound to lead to interesting writing. The intensive nature of the course created a bond between classmates, too; each provided extensive feedback and support for one another's work. As a student who lives at Southampton, the weekly jaunt to Manhattan offered a different and stimulating experience.
Diana Gallagher, MFA program student
It's almost absurd to think that I earned academic credits for doing what I love and for forging relationships with so many talented writers. I certainly hope that this workshop format continues in future semesters. Saturday classes and a location close to Penn Station made it easy for those of us who work and commute. Not only was Matt a wonderful mentor, but I was also in awe of the talent of the workshop participants.
Carri Ann Horner, MFA Program student