Each and every one of us possess complex identities, which include such elements as race, age, ethnicity, gender, orientation, religion, class, national, political orientation and much more. In this summer workshop, you'll be encouraged to write your identities through the lens of fiction and/or creative nonfiction. (All prose genres are welcome.) Participants will submit and critique short narratives (or excerpts from novels or novellas), in addition to doing weekly writing exercises. We'll aim to create powerful stories with rich and compelling characters, while also exploring the basic elements of fiction/non-fiction writing: plot, dialogue, point of view, setting, structure, and more. If time permits, we'll also address the business of writing -- sending out stories and novels, finding an agent, etc.

All levels of writers (including beginners) are welcome. The workshop will meet online through a private mailing list, in two four-week sessions. Limited to 20 participants. All participants are expected to read and write one-page critiques for 1-2 stories or novel excerpts (up to 30 pages each) from the other workshop members; participants will receive written critiques from the instructor. We'll also meet in a weekly online chat session where participants can ask questions and exchange advice; attendance for the chat is optional.

Workshop dates: Saturday, June 28 - Saturday, August 16. Optional, additional chat sessions will tentatively meet on Saturday mornings, from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. CST (subject to the group's approval).

Texts

There is no required text, but I'll be using exercises from Ursula K. LeGuin's Steering the Craft at various points through the course; I recommend picking up a copy if you can. I may also ask you to read other pieces available online.

Payment Form

Session 1 (language/setting/voice/character) : June 28 - July 19 ($100)
Session 2 (character/pov/structure/theme): July 26 - August 16 ($100)
Both sessions: $175
If you have serious financial need, some discounted registration may be available; e-mail Mary Anne and ask.

To register using your credit card or PayPal, just click below and fill in the appropriate amount:

 

Please send checks to: Mary Anne Mohanraj, 1658 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL 60647, and drop Mary Anne a note to let her know the check is on its way.

If you have any questions, please feel free to send me e-mail at m@mamohanraj.com.