It’s Complicated: Entry Points for Loaded Relationships

Very few of us make it through life unscathed by complicated relationships. We do not exist in individual vacuums. We inevitably entangle ourselves with others, imperfections and all. Messiness, joy, and hurt are all unavoidable facets of intimacy.

Whether an on-again-off-again lover, an absent father, a best-friend-turned-enemy, or a toxically co-dependent sibling, these loaded relationships are ripe with story potential: they give us character, perspective, plot, and setting. In the best cases, the process of writing these stories even gives us healing and clarity.

This workshop is all about finding our way into the narrative hearts of these messy entanglements. We’ll read and discuss Justin Torres’s “Reverting to a Wild State” (CW: partner abuse) and “Opening” by Sarah Grimes. Then, we’ll use flashbacks and non-linear forms as entry points into the stories of our own loaded relationships. Join this workshop to garner strategies for writing about deeply personal topics and support from peers undergoing the same process.

Class Format

This class will take place using Zoom videoconferencing. About 15 minutes before your class is scheduled to begin, you'll receive an email from your instructor with a link to join the class meeting!

Scholarship Information

Thanks to the excellent literary citizenship of our donors, scholarships are available for all GrubStreet classes. To apply, click the gray "APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP" button. In order to be considered for a scholarship, you must complete your application at least one week before the start date of a class. Please await our scholarship committee's decision before registering for the class. We cannot hold spots in classes, so the sooner you apply, the better. Scholarships cannot be applied retroactively.

For more more detailed information about GrubStreet scholarships, including how to contribute to scholarship funds for other students, click here.