A Wall Street dropout into the writing life, Paul Schulkind has a BS in Economics and International Business and an MBA in Finance, both degrees from New York University. While studying for an advanced degree in Political Economy at Fordham University, Paul ran up against a writer's block that put an end to his academic aspirations. Five years of study at the Center for Creative Writing dissolved the block and transformed Paul into a bona fide, full-time writer of short fiction. His desire is to share what he's been given: the exquisite pleasure of writing.

Paul has been Co-Director of the Center since 2000. He leads the Montauk Writing Retreat, teaches Writing the Wave workshops in Manhattan and leads monthly writing classes that provide on-going support for writers, also in Manhattan. Paul also accepts one-on-one students.

Writers who have studied with Paul are enthusiastic about his teaching abilities:

 "Some people have a green thumb and can make anything grow. With his special mix of humor, kindness and intelligence, Paul Schulkind tends to his students like any masterful gardener. The seeds of each person's unique writer’s voice are watered and nourished. His garden flourishes. Writers burst forth in a spectacular array of color and individuality." (Dr. Joanie Watkins)

"Paul Schulkind has been inspirational to me as my writing teacher in a monthly writer's group in NYC. He is kind, insightful and supportive in his feedback, and often sees a point of view that I hadn't thought of. I have been very fortunate to have him as my teacher. Some of the nonfiction pieces he helped me shape have been published online, and he came to my first reading this summer in NYC." (Sherri Rosen)

"In the years that Paul Schulkind has been my writing coach I’ve learned to enjoy writing again. Paul is always encouraging and constructive. He's helped me conquer my critical self-editor and all those other beasts that keep the words from flowing out of my pen. He's also helped me find time for writing despite being a stressed single working mom. I leave every coaching session brimming over with new ways to start stories and the inspiration to write more." (Anne Sylla)

"Writing retreats with Paul are stimulating, fun and challenging all at the same time." (Beverley Rouse)

"I would never have stayed faithful to my writing had it not been for Paul Schulkind. His exercises nudge me into the places my imagination would never go on its own, and he always finds a way to lead me down the path towards my inner voice. The retreats are great. Each is filled with new and exciting ideas, exercises and projects. Every time I come home from one, I immediately start looking forward to the next." (JoAnn Muller)

"Paul Schulkind is a very inspiring teacher. I have been attending his retreats since 2001, and can say that I look forward to each and every one. He has a great sense of humor, and makes each participant comfortable. The themes are always fresh and relevant. If you want to write, give Paul a call! His retreat will leave you refreshed, inspired, and looking forward to future retreats!" (Steve Mollin)