Class

Introduction to Creative Nonfiction

Learn to write creative nonfiction in a non-intimidating environment with fellow beginners. We’ll cover important aspects of craft, including narrative, structure, and characterization, while studying short essays and long form creative nonfiction that epitomizes well-crafted story by writers such as Joy Harjo, Carolyn Holbrook, Juliet Patterson, Sherry Quan Lee, Diane Wilson, Erika L. Sánchez, Kathryn Savage, and others.

We’ll read and write in class, discuss what makes compelling creative nonfiction and go home with prompts and exercises to continue our work. Memoir and non-memoir-based creative writing, such as travel writing, personal essay, etc., will be covered. 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 increased their skills in writing nonfiction and have an understanding of how to approach a blank page with confidence.

There is no class July 5.

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.