Current Class List

In this class, we will examine some of the barriers writers of color and indigenous writers face in writing the truth. Then, we'll examine the use of hybrid forms, particularly experimental essays or poetic works. Writers of color and indigenous writers have used such forms to break through into new areas of exploration—or to tell the truth about who they are and what they know in ways that the more standard essay or lyrical poem could not.

“Just do you.” “Keepin’ it real.”  “Straight talk.”  “Speak your truth.” No matter how it’s expressed, spoken word poetry is an art form that claims to value authenticity above all other criteria. But what exactly is the Authenticity Factor in spoken word poetry? In this class, participants will consider these questions as well as explore the Authenticity Factor in both writing and performing spoken word poetry.

In this Saturday afternoon writing session, students will have the time to work on their writing. David Mura will provide a writing prompt they can either choose to follow or use the time to work on a writing project they have already started. Students will also have the option of signing up for a brief one-on-one consultation with David, who will meet with as many students as time allows. During this consultation, David will provide feedback on up to 3 pages of a student's writing.

Learn to write fiction in a non-intimidating environment with fellow beginners. Because this is a beginning class, student work will not be workshopped in depth, but time can be made for sharing and discussing work, if desired. By the end of class, students will have an increased skill set in the basics of writing fiction and an understanding of how to approach a blank page with confidence.

In this class, we'll look at how humor is used in poetry, going in depth about theories on humor and how to repurpose them for use in our poems, and we'll have weekly humor based writing prompts to generate new work. We'll also discuss strategies for using humor, the importance of connecting to and building trust with your reader, and how to use humor as the entry point to subjects that might not be humorous at all.

Having trouble starting or following through with your screenplay? Designed with both workshop and instruction on craft as a focus, this is an opportunity to learn the art form of screenwriting, while also providing a space for students to write and receive critique from peers and teaching artist.

Ever get up from a writing session feeling achy or irritated? This class pairs yoga and writing exercises to create sustainable writing practices and negotiate writers' block. Participants will revise a work in progress or start a new piece in a supportive space of exploration.

The best mysteries are about more than "whodunit." They help us explore the truth of our existence with as much validity as any so-called work of literature. In this course, we'll help students achieve this goal by examining the structure of the mystery and its parts including dialogue and setting.

Everyone's life is important enough to write about. We will focus on memoir in this class but individuals who have experience with personal essay, travelogue, or narrative journalism are also welcome. Our inspiration will be your perspective and your questions about your experience, your world, and the world around you.