International Writers' Collective

About International Writers' Collective

Master classes and interviews with writers & poets. The International Writers' Collective is an Amsterdam-based learning community. We offer creative writing courses locally and online.

Publisher

International Writers' Collective

Category

arts · education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

22 Jul 2018

Latest episode

3 May 2026

Latest episodes

16 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   3 May 2026

   Kaveh Akbar on Learning to Write a Novel

   In this master class, award-winning poet Kaveh Akbar shares lessons from writing his first novel, Martyr!, and what he’s learned from working across poetry and fiction. Some of the topics discussed include: Finding a novel’s structure through revision Learning to write scenes and sustain a narrative Drawing on the techniques of poetry when writing fiction Reading across genres, cultures, and literary traditions Developing habits that help you avoid writer’s block Warm, funny, and brimming with Kaveh’s infectious enthusiasm, this conversation offers practical wisdom for poets and fiction writers alike—especially those looking to deepen their craft or find the confidence to try something new. Adapted from the International Writers’ Collective master class given in Amsterdam, 3 May, 2026. The International Writers’ Collective offers 8-week creative writing courses in Amsterdam, The Hague, and online. Learn more about our programme. ABOUT THESE TEACHERS Kaveh Akbar is the author of the bestselling novel Martyr! and three acclaimed poetry collections, including Calling a Wolf a Wolf and Pilgrim Bell. He’s the recipient of multiple Pushcart Prizes, a Levis Reading Prize, and a Guggenheim Fellowship. He serves as director of the undergraduate creative writing program at the University of Iowa and poetry editor of The Nation. Sarah Carriger is director of the International Writers’ Collective. She writes poetry and fiction, and her poems have appeared in Gulf Coast, Post Road, and The Pinch among other journals. She has taught creative writing since 2011. ABOUT OUR MASTER CLASSES SERIES Working writers — craft-focused, interview-led, with room for real questions. Past guests include Lauren Groff, A.M. Homes, Kristen Roupenian, and Daniel Kraus. Browse the full archive here. Copyright © 2026 Kaveh Akbar & International Writers’ Collective Subscribe: Overcast | iTunes | Anchor.FM | Google Play | Player.FM | PocketCasts | Spotify

2. 

   8 Mar 2026

   Ada Limón Master Class

   Ada Limón — former U.S. Poet Laureate and one of the most celebrated poets writing in America today — sits down with IWC Director Sarah Carriger to talk about what she’s learned in her over 20-year career. Drawing on her book Startlement, which features new poems alongside work from her previous six collections, Limón speaks about her approach to craft, her process, and how she keeps making art when the world feels like it’s on fire. In this episode, she shares insights on: Revision and what she’s learned from looking back at her early work Assembling a collection and writing toward what’s missing Line breaks, musicality, and the prose poem Writing through grief, anger, and global upheaval Protecting your creative space The daily practices that have sustained her writing life for decades Warm, honest, and genuinely encouraging, this is the kind of conversation that makes you want to rush straight to your desk and start writing. Recorded live in Amsterdam on International Women’s Day, 8 March 2026. The International Writers’ Collective offers 8-week creative writing courses in Amsterdam, The Hague, and online. Learn more about our programme. ABOUT THESE TEACHERS Ada Limón served as the 24th Poet Laureate of the United States (2022–2025). She is the author of seven collections, including The Carrying (National Book Critics Circle Award) and Bright Dead Things (finalist for the National Book Award). While Laureate, she edited the bestselling anthology You Are Here: Poetry in the Natural World. Sarah Carriger writes poetry and fiction and teaches advanced fiction courses at the International Writers’ Collective. She holds BA and MA degrees in English Literature from Stanford University, and her poems have appeared in Gulf Coast, Post Road, and The Pinch. ABOUT OUR MASTER CLASSES SERIES Working writers — craft-focused, interview-led, with room for real questions. Past guests include Lauren Groff, A.M. Homes, Kristen Roupenian, and Daniel Kraus. Browse the full archive here. Copyright © 2026 Ada Limón & International Writers’ Collective Subscribe: Overcast | iTunes | Anchor.FM | Google Play | Player.FM | PocketCasts | Spotify

3. 

   8 Feb 2026

   Elisabeth Dini Master Class Recording

   Debut novelist Elisabeth Dini on blending genres, historical research, trusting your process, and persisting on the long road to publication.

4. 

   1 Nov 2025

   Daniel Kraus Master Class Recording

   Bestselling author Daniel Kraus joins IWC instructor Joy Florentine for a candid conversation on craft, creativity, and building a lasting writing career. From research and process to avoiding burnout, this master class offers inspiration for every writer.

5. 

   1 Sept 2025

   Tammy Lai-Ming Ho Master Class Recording

   Award-winning poet Tammy Lai-Ming Ho discusses her new collection If I Do Not Reply. In conversation with IWC teacher Michelle Linn, she reflects on finding inspiration, addressing current events, shaping a collection, and what she looks for as a journal editor.

6. 

   25 May 2025

   Allison Amend Master Class Recording

   Award-winning author Allison Amend discusses crafting page-turners, shaping historical fiction, and structuring novels across time spans, offering insights into the publishing path in this master class recording.

7. 

   8 Feb 2025

   Alison Edwards Master Class Recording

   Australian author Alison Edwards shares insights on writing a first novel, navigating dual perspectives, finding an agent, and working with an editor in this master class recording.

8. 

   22 Nov 2024

   Michael Donkor Master Class Recording

   Author Michael Donkor discusses his novel, *Grow Where They Fall*, and shares insights on narrative techniques and maintaining motivation for writers in this master class recording.

9. 

   13 May 2023

   Ellen Keith Master Class Recording

   Author Ellen Keith discusses researching historical novels, managing multiple perspectives, outlining effectively, and imbuing characters with purpose, offering valuable insights for writers in this interview.

10. 

    16 Apr 2023

    Lola Shoneyin Master Class Recording

    Nigerian author Lola Shoneyin discusses her novel, *The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives*, with Karen Kao, exploring multiple perspectives and using humor to enrich dramatic scenes in this interview.

11. 

    25 Feb 2023

    Lauren Groff Master Class Recording

    Lauren Groff, New York Times-bestselling author, instructs students in a master class, offering insights into the craft of writing; this is an interview.

12. 

    16 Oct 2022

    Julie Phillips Master Class Recording

    Author Julie Phillips discusses her book, *The Baby on the Fire Escape*, with Karen Kao, exploring the intricate connection between motherhood and creative expression in this interview.

13. 

    21 Feb 2021

    Laura Wetherington Master Class Recording

    Award-winning poet Laura Wetherington teaches writers about using fake translations and epistolary poems for inspiration in a master class discussion with Wende Crow, offering new creative techniques.

14. 

    28 Jul 2019

    Caoilinn Hughes Master Class Recording

    Award-winning Irish writer Caoilinn Hughes discusses crafting complex female protagonists and navigating the challenges of publishing in this master class interview.

15. 

    26 Aug 2018

    Joost Baars Master Class Recording

    Award-winning poet Joost Baars instructs Sarah Carriger on techniques such as line breaks and poetry translation, offering inspiration for poets and fiction writers in this interview.

16. 

    22 Jul 2018

    Karen Kao Master Class Recording

    Author Karen Kao instructs writers on crafting effective violence, managing multiple perspectives, integrating research into historical fiction, and navigating the publishing process in this master class.

Who has been a guest on International Writers' Collective

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Allison Amend
• Alison Edwards
• Michael Donkor
• Ellen Keith
• Lola Shoneyin

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

3,752

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Podcast Authority Score: 30 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

32

Social presence

0

YouTube

68

Engagement

0

Contact International Writers' Collective

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

Questions about International Writers' Collective