Class Description
Many of us speak and think in a way that reflects our realities as people who move between different languages and different cultural modes of expression. Our awareness of multiple ways to communicate is a powerful asset to bring to our storytelling. For example, sometimes we need to stretch English so as to recognize or embody the modes or languages in which we or our characters live, think and speak. So bring your Boston Chinglish, your boricua or Miami Spanglish, your Creole, your Taglish, your English laced with Malayalam words, the language you use at work and the language you use with people who share your identity...you get the idea. We’ll talk about how to deliberately manipulate language(s) to develop voice, dialogue, texture and meaning in your writing.
About the Writing Craft Series
This new series of drop-in workshops explores creative writing tools and techniques that both new and experienced writers might grapple with. For an hour, the instructor will lead the group through a reading, discussion, and writing exercise designed to deepen your understanding of a specific element of storytelling craft. All are welcome, but those with some experience with writing fiction or creative nonfiction might get more out of these workshops.
The class will be given in English, but writers working in all languages 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 have been underrepresented in it due to cost, racism, immigration status, language access, lack of access to transportation, and other barriers. We believe that these 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.
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.