Class

4-Week: Play, Process, and Practice

Writing is considered a solitary act, yet many writers say it’s community that gets them through. In this class, we’ll share our struggles with feeling stuck, facing the blank page, finding the idea well dry, fending off perfectionism, and tuning out an inner editor. As a group, we’ll approach these troubles with empathy through creative exercises and generosity by building a bank of helpful tips for times when we’re wrestling with our words. Sessions will include group discussions, in-class generative writing exercises,and gentle at-home writing challenges. We’ll also gain insights from short readings by writers including Natalie Goldberg, Anthony Anaxagorou, Alexander Chee, Questlove, and more. Students who are willing to be vulnerable about their process struggles and successes as well as those willing to try new approaches will get the most out of these four weeks. Writers of all levels and all genres are welcome!

Instructions for Accessing This Online Class

In order to access live class meetings, you must have the Zoom application downloaded to your computer. You will also need a WiFi/Internet connection throughout the duration of your scheduled meeting and a computer with audio and video capability. The information to join your Zoom classroom will be provided in your confirmation email upon registration. Please check spam folders if you do not see this email upon registration. For more information on how to use Zoom, please see our training manual here.

Some classes use a supplemental Google Classroom page. Should your teaching artist use Google Classroom, you will be invited to join the classroom via email at least 24 hours in advance of your class (check spam folders if you are not seeing this invitation). Please note that Google Classroom requires a Gmail address to access the Classroom. If you do not have a Gmail account, the email invitation will be sent to the email address we have on file and will prompt you to create a free account or enter an existing account to join the classroom. If we are unable to send an email invitation to your non-gmail account, you will be contacted by a staff member to provide a Gmail address. If you do not have a Gmail account, you can create a free account here. Should you have concerns about this, please contact a Loft staff member at [email protected] or 612-379-8999. For more information on how to use Google Classroom, please see our training manual here.