Class

Craft and Curiosity

One of the best ways to improve our writing is through closing reading other works to determine what effect the author's craft choices have on the story. We’ll figure out how can we learn from the author’s most effective techniques and use them in our own writing. In this Craft & Curiosity class, we’ll spend four weeks “reading as a writer” with the novel WOODWORKING by Emily St. James. WOODWORKING is about the friendship that develops between Erica, a trans woman in a small South Dakota town, and the only out trans person she knows: her student Abigail. The novel alternates chapters between Erica and Abigail as their platonic relationship develops and their lives take surprising turns. In our class, we’ll explore how author Emily St. James employs a different type of point of view to capture each woman’s experience on multiple levels. We’ll also dig into the author’s craft choices to create distinct voices for each character. The teen’s voice is especially vivid! Classes will include close readings of assigned chapters and generative writing prompts based on craft elements. Writers of any genre are encouraged to participate. You bring the curiosity; together we’ll identify the craft.

All Classes listed on the Loft website take place in Central Time.

No class November 25.

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.