Class Description
Whether you're interested in writing personal essays, memoirs, short stories, or novels, this class will teach you the basics of telling stories inspired by your own life. In these sessions, you'll learn how to dig into key events in your life—from moments of great joy to the most confounding or traumatic—and turn them into the stories you've been longing to tell.
We will use readings and writing exercises to explore such topics as how to describe emotion; how to transform yourself, friends, and family into characters; how to write scenes; how to show AND tell; and basic essay structure. You will walk away with the pieces necessary to get started on your writing project.
Readings may include work by Jaquira Diaz, Cheryl Strayed, Lidia Yuknavitch, Jo Ann Beard, William Dameron, Jonathan Lethe, Jesmyn Ward, and others. Writers of all levels and experience welcome!
Please Note: Registration is not required but strongly preferred! Walk-ins are welcome.
Who Should Register?
Grub @ The BPL 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.