Summer Classes
I’ve been thinking a lot about writing communities and the way we need each other and the special things that happen when you stick a bunch of writers in a room. My own work feeds my teaching and my teaching feeds my own work. I read as much as possible, always with an eye on what I might bring to class to share with my students. And I love teaching, have loved it since I first began with teenagers in a local home school community years ago. I feel lucky to be doing this job.
So it is with this sentiment that I’d like to announce the next round of classes that I’m offering on zoom this summer. There are still a few spots open and please feel free to ask me questions if you have them. I hope to see you on my zoom screen in the next few weeks. In addition to these two classes, I’m offering a six month intensive workshop but it filled quickly and is now closed. If you’re looking for a longer commitment, I will probably offer it again in the fall.
Generative/ Flash Nonfiction Class
Wednesdays, beginning July 15th
7:00 to 10:00
$500/ 9 weeks
This class will be part generative, with in-class writing prompts, and part study of the art of flash nonfiction writing. A flash piece is generally defined as less than 1000 words. How can we dazzle through language, movement, and emotional resonance in one short page? Through close readings of powerful flash pieces, we’ll identify the elements that make for impactful pieces. Guided with prompts and discussions, you will craft and refine your own flash pieces, with each person receiving three critiques by the end of the session. There will also be discussion about literary magazines currently publishing flash work and encouragement to submit.
Payment plans available. $50 to secure your spot in the class.
Scenes as Building Blocks
Mondays, beginning July 20th
7:00 to 10:00
$600/10 weeks
In this class, we will analyze scenes in both fiction and nonfiction for the power and emotion they deliver as part of understanding what makes a memorable scene and how we can improve our own. Because scene is the craft element that engages the reader before all else, perfecting our own skills in this area is the way to stronger work. We will break down the difference between narrative summary and scene and examine fantastic examples from writers such as Ann Patchett, David Sedaris, Jemison Ward, as well as examples from recent award-winning books. We’ll look at personal essays, flash, short stories, and novels to identify those scenes that capture the reader’s heart. There will be in-class prompts, optional homework, and two critiques of longer pieces where scene work will be evaluated for each writer in class.
Payment plans available. $100 to secure your spot in the class.
Thank you.