Class

Fiction for BIPOC Writers: A Class for Writers of Color and Indigenous Writers

The goal of this class is to create space for Black, Indigenous, and POC writers to analyze and practice applying BIPOC cultural interpretations of fiction craft elements.

While it is true that more contemporary writers are featuring racially diverse characters in their stories, it’s still the case that our culturally specific understandings of story are often left unexplored. What is a First Nations perspective on worldbuilding? What does the first person voice have to offer for Black city girl experiences? And how might we apply these understandings of craft to our own stories?

First, we’ll close-read and discuss excerpts of stories that address these questions such as Future Home of The Living God by Louise Erdrich and “Virgins” by Danielle Evans (session one); then, between sessions one and two, we’ll draft our own excerpts. Finally, we’ll close out our time together with workshop (session two). Workshopping will include reading your classmates’ writing and analyzing their decisions as a way of offering ideas helpful for improving and supporting the writing of everyone involved. If reading this description excites you, this class is for you!

This class is part of a series of classes that cover the issues and traditions of writers of color and Indigenous writers and is intended for writers of color and Indigenous writers to work on their craft in a space that centers them and their work. We ask all participants to be cognizant of that core value. Minnesota human rights laws prevent the exclusion of anyone based on their identity. But if you are not a writer of color or Indigenous writer, please be mindful of the space and energy you take up in a class intended to uplift traditionally marginalized and silenced communities. Anyone being disruptive may be asked to leave.

The class is offered on a pay what you can basis. Students may select the "pay what you can" option and enter any amount, including $0.

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

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.