Class

A Class for Writers of Color and Indigenous Writers: The ABCs of Narrative Construction

This class will explore the principles of (Western) narrative construction and how these principles/techniques can be used in both fiction and non-fiction/memoir. We will base the class on readings made available to the participants, including work by ZZ Packer, Gish Jen, Junot Diaz, Jhumpa Lahiri, Garrett Hongo. Most students, even MFA students, are not taught these principles and yet, when students learn these principles, their work often takes off on a new level. If we have time, we'll go over some basic premises of how BIPOC writers approach the issues of race, ethnicity and identity.

This class is part of a series of classes that cover the issues and traditions of writers of color and Indigenous writers and is intended for writers of color and Indigenous writers to work on their craft in a space that centers them and their work. We ask all participants to be cognizant of that core value. Minnesota human rights laws prevent the exclusion of anyone based on their identity. But if you are not a writer of color or Indigenous writer, please be mindful of the space and energy you take up in a class intended to uplift traditionally marginalized and silenced communities. Anyone being disruptive may be asked to leave.

The class is offered on a pay what you can basis with the suggested fee of $40 ($36 for Loft members). Students may select the "pay what you can" option and enter any amount, including $0.

This class takes place in-person, at the Loft at Open Book; we encourage participants to be fully vaccinated and masked in the interest of everyone’s safety. Please see the Loft’s website for the most up to date information about the Loft’s COVID policies.