WDtS Mattapan: Building a Book of Essays

One of the trickiest parts of being a writer with so many topics to discuss is organizing all of the work. This is especially true of an essay collection. James Baldwin’s Notes of a Native Son is a classic which examines matters of race and identity, but does so through eclectic stories about childhood aspirations, a jazz group on a road trip, being arrested over a stolen bedsheet, and more. Organization is the bridge between having a handful of good ideas and using those ideas to build a cohesive and powerful work.

This drop-in class will discuss finding harmony among essays which may seem disconnected on the surface, and how to create harmony when there’s none to be found. We will also discuss what makes a strong list of essays for a book and what steps an author takes when looking to have their work published. Beginner and intermediate writers are welcome.

Families welcome. Coffee and snacks provided. Teens are welcome to attend with an older relative. We will provide simple activities to keep young children occupied.

Who Should Register?

Write Down the Street has a special focus on making the creative writing workshop more accessible to those who face challenges due to cost, language skills, lack of access to transportation, and other barriers. We believe that all voices must be spotlighted with the range and fullness they deserve.

These programs are offered tuition-free thanks to the support of generous donors who are committed to our mission of ensuring all voices are heard.