Class Description
Playwright Sarah Ruhl asks, "Do we think the [plot] arc is a natural structure because of the structure of the male orgasm?" In this fun, boundary-pushing workshop, we'll make it our business to go beyond Aristotle and Freytag. Each week, we'll explore a new structure and its effect on plot, form, character, theme, setting, and language. Find the boundary between prose poetry and flash fiction, experiment with tension and perspective, or put your reader through some serious time travel. Students will respond to prompts based on the works we have read and receive quick, on-the-spot feedback from both the instructor and fellow students. Classes will include craft discussion and close reading of works by writers such as Carmen Maria Machado, Zadie Smith, Maggie Nelson, William H Gass, Elizabeth Tallent, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. This class will allow you to break old habits, play with unconventional forms, and, most importantly, leave the course with some new beginnings, a few complete short-shorts, and several roadmaps to completion.
*Please note that while our handy dandy "Schedule" tab states a 6-7pm class time, there are actually no live meetings for this class! Assignments and deadlines will be given by your instructor. Students will have access to the online class portal starting at 5pm on the first day of class. Instructions for logging onto the online portal will be emailed to registered students before 5pm the first day of class.
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.
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.