Class Description
In this six-week class, we will explore a selection of novels by women writers from before 1960, while also working to improve and expand our own writing projects. Each week we’ll read excerpts from two novels whose authors (and characters) were often marginalized in society, not just because of their gender but also because of their race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, or interests. Yet these writers were among the pioneers of literary innovation in their eras, and—though they frequently faced derision and condescension from their male colleagues and critics—today’s readers have found a treasure-trove in their work.
Some literary conventions have changed since these authors were writing, but for modern writers there is much to learn from them, whether it’s their approaches to their subjects, their daring and experimental styles, or the unusual structures of their novels. The authors we’ll read include Amy Levy, Christina Stead, Ann Petry, and Sylvia Townsend Warner. Students will also write a short piece (5-6 pages, double-spaced) each week, using the excerpts and provided prompts as jumping-off points. These pieces can be related to the students’ larger projects or stand alone as short stories, and we will share and discuss them in class each week.
Driving to the center? For evening or weekend classes, we recommend SP+ Parking at 45 Binford Street for the most affordable parking around. It's about a 10-minute walk to GrubStreet and offers a flat rate of:
$8 after 4pm Monday-Friday
$5 all day Saturday-Sunday
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 in-person at our Center for Creative Writing in Boston's Seaport neighborhood.
Covid-19 Update:
GrubStreet's space will be mask-optional when Boston's Covid-19 Community Level is low or medium. When the Covid-19 Community Level is high, our space will require masks. Please check GrubStreet's Covid-19 page for the latest info on masking and Community Levels before visiting in person.
Space Accessibility:
Our space is ADA accessible with automatic door openers, ADA-compliant restrooms, desk and table spacing, braille signage, and elevator. Our classrooms can be equipped with ALS for hard of hearing individuals. We cannot guarantee a scent-free environment. For more accessibility requests, please contact our Operations team at [email protected] or (617) 695-0075.