Best-Selling Author Offers Writing Classes in Nyack

Award-winning and best-selling author Peter Danish founded Danish Writing Academy in Nyack, where he will teach high school students how to write polished college application essays, teens and young adults about fiction and play writing, and adults about novel writing.

Peter Danish, founder and CEO of Danish Writing Academy

After presenting about his writing and public speaking methods at BooksNJ in June, more than five colleges contacted Peter Danish to see if he would create curricula and become an adjunct professor. Deciding to go it alone, Danish founded Danish Writing Academy, offering College Essays for high schoolers, Fiction Writing and Playwriting for high school and college students, and Novel Writing for adults.

As director of marketing in the admissions department at New York Conservatory of Dramatic Arts, Danish read thousands of application essays, and became passionate about them, he says. “You could be a straight-A student and be in every extracurricular activity, but if you send in a lousy essay, you’re done,” says Danish, who is also a public speaking coach. “All things being equal, the essay is the determining factor more often than not.” At the end of College Essays, students will have a polished piece for applications. The class is held for three Saturdays, 10am-12pm, beginning Sept. 19.

Fiction Writing focuses on the elements of writing fiction, while Playwriting focuses on character creation and dramatic structure. The goal of both classes is for students to leave with a finished work. Each class meets twice a week for three weeks and is followed by three weeks of online follow up and critique. Both classes are held Tuesdays and Thursdays in two sessions: 4-6pm and 7-9pm. Fiction writing begins Sept. 15, and playwriting begins Oct. 13.

For Novel Writing, Danish asks students to come with a finished or started manuscript that needs work, or an idea for a manuscript. At the end of the 12-week session and a month of revisions, Danish will choose one student with a finished manuscript who will be guaranteed a book contract with True North Publishing. Novel writing is held Wednesdays from 7-10pm, and begins Sept. 16.

All classes are limited to 12 students, and registration is still open. Scholarships and financial aid are available for students in need. Those who register before Aug. 31 will receive a 20-percent discount.