Class

Double-Session Class: Writing About Our Animals

In this class, students will explore pet memoirs and poetry with a focus on how writing-craft choices deepen themes, tone, and meaning. From historical accounts of beloved pets like Virginia Woolf's Flush to modern day memoirs like Rodney Stott's Bird Brother, we'll explore how animals can change our lives.

The way we write about our animals has the power to let readers connect with us, and with the natural world at large. This class will prepare students to take on writing projects such as love letters to their cats or biographies of their family dogs—all while incorporating the craft elements that will elevate their writing.

This class will consist of two meetings. During the first class, we will explore readings, discuss craft elements, and understand what it means to write deeply about pets. In the second class, students will spend time writing with guided prompts and have the opportunity to give and receive feedback on first drafts or workshop ideas for writing projects.

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.