My students say:

“One of the kindest and most generous writing teachers on the planet.”

“My work is taken seriously in Ethan's workshops and I am taken seriously as a writer.”

“What a master teacher.” 

“This may be the best writing class I've ever taken." 

“You really are one of the best writing teachers I've had.”

"I'm grateful beyond measure for the care that Ethan has taken in teaching us."

“It's been difficult to find the words to express the gratitude I feel for you. I'm in a place that I never expected to be in, with goals that I don't think I would have been able to dream for myself if not for your mentorship. ... Truly, I can't thank you enough for all the time and knowledge you've invested into me and my writing. I'm a better writer and a better person for it.”—an MFA student

"You're a great teacher, Ethan. I feel lucky to have been in some of your classes."

"You may be the hardest-working Grub instructor I have encountered."

"Had it not been for your class, I would not have had the courage to write an essay at all."

"Ethan is the best writing teacher I've encountered."

"Ethan is the bomb. ... wise, kind, thoughtful, and encouraging."

“You were not only the best writing professor … but also the only one that really taught me anything.”

“You are a fantastic teacher and provide a place where writers can feel free to take risks. Thank you.”

“Thanks to you for your inspiring Essay class ... You created a quick community of supportive friends and writers. You inspired us to take chances and try new things. You asked us to take the class seriously, do the readings, prepare our writing, read closely. I haven't felt called by a teacher to bring my best self to class in a while. I felt seen and challenged. So thank you for all of that!”—Fran B.

"The essay classes I took with you were so helpful. You’re a wonderful teacher, and you really opened up the possibilities of the form and what an essay could look like. Thank you for the creative freedom that gave me as a writer."—Teri Stein, published in The Sun, Best American Essays notable

"I was a student in your memoir writing workshop … It was my first writing course, and your guidance proved invaluable as I worked to shape my story about life ….Your feedback during the workshop—particularly your advice on striking the right balance between personal narrative and cultural observation—helped lay the foundation for this book. When you encouraged us to dig deeper into moments of cultural disconnect and uncover the universal threads within them, it completely transformed how I approached writing about my experiences… This book exists, in part, because you showed me it was possible to tell these kinds of stories. I appreciate the role you played in my journey from aspiring writer to published author!"—Glen Loveland, author of Beijing Bound: A Foreigner Discovers China

"Thank you SO much for an awesome class, your fantastic feedback on my essays and for all of your help on my journey. It all started with your “So You Want to Be a Writer in 2013 and Beyond?” class years ago. It took over a decade—but it’s all happening. I’m so grateful for your expert instruction, thoughtful insights, generous encouragement, and kindness."—Dr. Mary Anderson, author of The Happy High Achiever: 8 Essentials To Overcome Anxiety, Manage Stress, And Energize Yourself For Success—Without Losing Your Edge

Photos (top—>bottom): Teaching at GrubStreet; an Essay Incubator gathering; Teaching for Gender@Work in Guatelmala; in the workshop at GrubStreet’s old location; in Grub’s new location; at Providence’s LitArtsRI; an Essay Incubator reunion at GrubStreet; teaching D&D newbies at the Wilcox Library, Westerly RI

(photos courtesy Ethan Gilsdorf, GrubStreet and GrSri Thumati/ThumatiPics)

Take a workshop with me!

I offer online and in-person (in Boston and Providence) multi-session and one day workshops, seminars, intensive programs and my Get Sh*t Done online accountablity/co-writing groups. I also teach at writing conferences and appear at special events. My current offerings:

  • Online accountability/co-writing groups:

    • Get Sh*t Done: Fall session: 10 Mondays, 12-2pm ET, September 14-November 16. $95. Register.

      Make a commitment to your writing. At Get Sh*t Done (GSD), you’ll find a community of writers, you’ll dedicate weekly time to your writing and you’ll get to work. We meet via Zoom weekly to connect, offer support, and write together. Each one-hour GSD block includes: Introductions and an optional writing prompt (5 minutes); quiet writing time (50 min); and a wrap up/debrief/open Q&A with Ethan and your peers about the writing life (5 min). No sharing or workshopping, just some old fashioned accountability and a weekly date with yourself and your work (no matter the genre), in the company of like-minded writers.

In Person in Boston with GrubStreet:

  • The Essay Incubator, September 2026-June 2027, In-Person in Boston, Monday evenings, Seaport. Applications for 2026-27 are now open. Applications are now due AUGUST 5. Details and information.

  • Free Program Sampler: Essay Incubator, Tuesday, July 21th, 6:30 to 7:45pm. If you’re curious about deepening your writing practice in GrubStreet’s Essay Incubator, same the program in this FREE class. You’ll get writing exercises, a micro-craft talk, and a Q&A at the end to ask your questions about the instructor’s approach to program. Details and register.

  • Fall 2026:

In person in Providence with LitArtsRI:

  • The World and I: Reported and Researched Personal Narrative: Thursdays | Nov 5 + 12 + 19 + Dec 3 + 10 + 17 | 6-8pm, 6-week craft intensive. Details and registration TBA.

  • Online with Craft Talks:

    • Week of Oct 19— Experimental Forms in CNF/Essay/Memoir: 4-Week Workshop, Wednesdays TBA

    • Saturday, Dec 12— Time Travel in Fiction and CNF/Essay/Memoir: 1 Day Seminar

Learn to play Dungeons & Dragons

Workshops for adults and kids; team building, custom and private sessions. Available for private bookings in the Boston/Providence area. Read more about my D&D programs and custom sessions here. Or contact me for details.