Jumpstart Your Writing: Global Perspectives - Remote!

As writers, we are encouraged to read widely, across genres and boundaries, yet only 3% of work published in English is that in translation, according to the University of Rochester. Where does that leave us as writers who wish to experience and learn from other places, which might offer alternative literary traditions, writing techniques, and aesthetic trajectories? In this class, we'll only scratch the surface of what's out there in terms of global writing both in English and in translation, but you'll gain exposure to a range of authors, publishers, and even literary movements. We'll also talk about translation, and what we as writers can learn from how translators discuss the invaluable work they do.

Whether you've never written creatively before or you're an experienced writer wanting a recharge, this multi-genre course can serve you with its simple goal: to devote three hours of the week to writing within literary traditions from around the world. Through a series of engaging reading and writing exercises every week, we will activate our experiences and imaginations and bring them to the page, constructing moods, characters, and settings, creating imagery, and exploring the nuances of voice. We will read works by writers such as Can Xue, Ariana Harwicz, Olga Tokarczuk, Akwaeke Emezi, Mahir Guven, and Marieke Lucas Rijneveld.

Please Note: Class will not meet on April 22nd (Muse Conference). 

This class will be hosted using live Zoom meetings! You will be able to participate in class via Zoom videoconference from wherever you’re most comfortable. All you’ll need is a laptop or a phone! 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 via Zoom–no need to download anything or sign up for Zoom in advance! If you have questions about remote learning, please feel free to reach out to [email protected] for more information.

For a glimpse at how remote learning works, look no further than the deep Zoom discussion of writing and literature below:

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.