Class

Craft Seminar: Writing Nature in Literary Fiction

In this class, we will discuss how to transform research about the details of plant and animal life into descriptive prose, with a special focus on marine life and the plants and animals of tropical rainforests. After looking at a range of examples from literary fiction and narrative nonfiction, we will use primary sources (research papers, wildlife guides, textbooks, magazine pieces) and several prompts to write a short passage of fiction.

We will also focus on how to connect descriptions of nature to plot and character. Come prepared to write, revise, and discuss. Participants are encouraged to arrive with two to three species that they would like to write about in mind.

Spend the day exploring Open Book and downtown Minneapolis. Then, at 5pm in Milkweed Books, MC Hyland will join Tara for a reading of her new novel, Under Water, and engage in conversation around the story and craft. After, there will be book sales and a signing. Please pre-register for this event.

Please submit this request form at least two to three weeks in advance if you have any accessibility requests for this class. This class takes place in-person, at the Loft at Open Book. Please see the Loft’s website for the most up to date information about the Loft’s COVID policies.