Craft Talk Series: ‘Writing Through Darkness (and How to Take Care of Yourself During It)’ with E.B. Bartels

Event Description

Some of the best writing in the world comes from the darkest moments in life: grief, trauma, abuse, discrimination, depression. But how deeply can you dive into these tough topics? And how can you pull yourself out after? Through readings from Jesmyn Ward, Octavia Butler, Sabrina Imbler, and Talia Lakshmi Kolluri, among others, we will explore how fiction and nonfiction writers handle writing about darkness and discuss the following questions: What makes a book dark? What is the goal of going dark? How do you do it well? How do you write about the dark without getting so dark that you lose your reader? And how can you take care of yourself when writing about some of the most difficult things in the world? Via discussion and writing exercises, students will engage in these questions, and will leave with a diverse list of recommended dark reading.

About the Craft Talk Series

Want a fun crash course into unique craft topics not covered anywhere else? From how to write historical fiction and other identities with empathy and authenticity to how to write through dark periods (and take care of yourself while doing it), GrubStreet's Craft Talk Series explores fascinating writing subjects often left out of traditional classes and workshops. These interactive talks will include takeaway prompts to further guide your writing and thinking about series topics.

Tickets include one complimentary drink from the Fabulist Café. We encourage arriving before the session start time to collect your drink and settle in!

Program Format

This program will take place in-person at our Center for Creative Writing in Boston's Seaport neighborhood.

Covid-19 Update

GrubStreet's space will be mask optional when Boston's Covid-19 Community Level is low or medium. When the Covid-19 Community Level is high, our space will require masks. Please check GrubStreet's Covid-19 page for the latest info on masking and Community Levels before visiting in-person.