Description
This class is part of our “Summer Creative Nonfiction Series,” a variety of single-session classes on Fridays at lunchtime designed to tackle one element of creative nonfiction writing in each class. You can take one class, pick and choose, or take all of them! You can find all other classes in the series here.
T.S. Eliot once ventured, “It is only in the world of objects that we have time and space and selves.” So how have objects shaped our cultural identities? What are the memories particular objects carry which might illuminate a poignant experience? What stories can we excavate from objects?
In this workshop, we’ll be exploring these questions as entry points to personal writing or as an expansion of work in progress. We’ll also examine how purposefully giving attention to objects can summon compelling experiences, as well as hone our sensory descriptions. Ultimately, we’ll appreciate how objects can serve as engaging symbols or patterns in the telling of our lived experiences.
The session will include a critique of mentor texts, a craft talk, and guided writing. Be prepared to generate powerful “instances” or scenes that can stand alone or be integrated into a larger piece. We’ll close our gathering by honoring the day’s work in small groups and/or whole class sharing out.
