Susan Dwyer

Susan Dwyer holds a Ph.D. in Linguistics and Philosophy from MIT. She has taught Philosophy, including classical Indian Philosophy, for 30 years, primarily at the University of Maryland. A significant dimension of that teaching involves writing: supporting students in finding their voice, using their creativity, and feeling confident in conveying their ideas to others. An RYT-500, she has taught Yoga to students from 18 to 80 across a variety of classes and workshops (including Yoga & Creative Writing) for 13 years. She has published in academic journals and was an opinion writer for Al Jazeera America. Her memoir essays have appeared in Pithead Chapel and From Months to Years, and her essay “Vulnerability” was chosen as a semi-finalist for the Terry Tempest Williams Prize at the North American Review.

Upcoming Programs by Susan Dwyer

The Art and Craft of the Personal Essay

Also With Beth Kelley

October 4 - 10, 2026

This is an innovative workshop in “essaying”  – the practice of discovering what we think about ourselves, others, and the world through writing and creative artistic practices. Together, we’ll explore various  approaches to the written essay. In daily craft sessions we’ll cover the fundamentals including voice, perspective, and connecting the personal to the universal. Throughout the week, […]