Class Description
The seemingly essential definition of nonfiction is writing based on truth, whereas fiction—by contrast—is writing based on invention: invented characters, invented experiences, invented realities. But what if we can’t remember specific details of the people, spaces, and moments we’re writing toward? How can we write our memories as invented fictions that feel true?
In this class, we’ll explore the unique creative advantages of writing fiction from foggy, fragmented, and otherwise unreliable memories (versus working against those memories by trying to authentically re-embody them). Through a series of conversations, guided exercises, and illustrative readings—including works by Nathalie Léger, Steven Dunn, and Han Kang—this course will help writers use unknown, unknowable, and unreliable details to guide their narrative imaginations.
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 detailed information about GrubStreet scholarships, including how to contribute to scholarship funds for other students, click here.
This class will take place using Zoom videoconferencing. After registering, a yellow Resources tab will appear in this section containing a link to join class. Please note that you will need to be logged into view the Resources tab.
Zoom Participation:
In our experience, the intimate nature of a writing workshop benefits from on-camera participation. Students are of course welcome to turn their camera off whenever they need to, but it is a community norm for cameras to be on most of the time. You can learn more about using Zoom here.
Zoom Accessibility:
You can enable closed captioning at any time during the meeting by clicking the CC button at the bottom of the screen. If you'd like to access the transcript after class, please make sure to let your instructor ahead of time that you'd like a copy.