Class

Elements of Creative Nonfiction and Memoir

In this class we'll write a range of creative nonfiction and memoir. We'll read works by Joy Harjo, Teju Cole, Valeria Luiselli, Victoria Chang, Audre Lorde, Robin Wall Kimmerer, Carmen Maria Machado, and others that explore the human condition in myriad ways. Through in-class discussions, weekly workshopping, and weekly readings, you can expect to learn more about the art and form of creative nonfiction and to leave class with new work. Aspects of craft you can expect to learn in this class are voice, structure, the role of research, and the essayistic question. Come to class to learn how to write vivid creative nonfiction that really hooks readers.

Writers who are new to creative nonfiction and memoir writing and writers who are diving back into existing projects are well suited to this class. Bring your memoir and/or your new ideas, and we'll roll up our sleeves together and dive in!

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 edu@loft.org or 612-379-8999. For more information on how to use Google Classroom, please see our training manual here.