Novel Writing Workshop for BIPOC Writers

Class Description

Entering into the novel writing process is less about extensive critical feedback and more about asking the right questions. Novel writing is a path of discovery, merging craft, inspiration, and creative vision. This class opens up a space for BIPOC writers to write in a community that energizes the writing process, steering clear of traditional workshop pitfalls that can be inhibiting and often silencing. In class, we will chart the path to generate clarity and focus for your novel in progress.

Novels of all genres are welcome. You can feel the freedom to explore cultural themes in your book that may get overlooked in a predominantly white wiritng workshop. We will interrogate craft issues including narrative structure, storylines, the novel opening, the poetics of space, energy, worldbuilding, and characterization. Feedback will be offered from an experienced editor and writing coach in an environment that recognizes the specific challenges of the novel in progress.

These weeks will include silent writing time, generative writing prompts, inspiration, and readings, as well as the viewing of video clips of veteran novelists. We will open up our writing using Sharing and Responding, a non-judgmental, communal group reading experience that points to what is resonating in our work. This class is being provided to transcend the barriers of the lack of representation that exists within the writing world. In this class for BIPOC writers, writing will be about freedom of expression without the baggage of tyranny in the writing workshop space. This class will be enlightening, unveiling, craft and process focused, and a lot of fun!

Class Format

This class will take place using Zoom videoconferencing. About 15 minutes before your class is scheduled to begin, you'll receive an email from your instructor with a link to join the class meeting!

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.