Class

Queering Epistolary Fiction

Are you struggling to find the right frame for your writing? Epistolary fiction is traditionally fiction written as a series of letters, but we’ll find ways to queer the form by reading stories and one longer work (This is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone) written by writers and containing themes that are underrepresented in traditional publishing and that are written in unconventional forms. During each class session, we will have time to ask questions and discuss how to bring aspects of epistolary fiction into our own writing, and there will be exercise prompts for home practice. Our final session will give students a chance to share their writings in a supportive setting. Most of the stories discussed will be available for free online, but This Is How You Lose The Time War can be found through your local library, bookstore, or via e-readers. You will also receive a reading list of additional works of epistolary fiction to explore at your own leisure. We will begin with two stories from Uncanny Magazine, "Where Oaken Hearts do Gather" and "Making Us Monsters," so reading them before the first session is advised.

All Classes listed on the Loft website take place in Central Standard Time (CST); make sure you understand your time zone, and adjust accordingly

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.