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Writing the Lyric Essay
Combining elements of nonfiction prose, personal essay, and poetry, the lyric essay is a form rife with possibility: a way to genuinely explore and investigate complex subjects and to interweave disparate ideas. The form is perfectly positioned for our current zeitgeist, and contemporary lyric essay writers such as Maggie Nelson, Abigail Thomas, and Claudia Rankine have enjoyed the elusive combination of critical acclaim and a flourishing readership.
In this seminar, examples by some of the best contemporary lyric essayists will be read and discussed as a means of defining this beautifully elastic genre. Fueled by this inspiration, and the discussion and prompts that follow, students will begin to compose lyric essays of their own. The instructor will also briefly address how and where to publish lyric essays.
Students are encouraged to bring existing work to revise or use as a jumping-off point for new pieces. Please note that there will be no workshopping of these pieces, though students may share a brief description of their ideas or progress if time allows.
+ PLEASE NOTE This workshop will occur online, using the video meeting platform Zoom, which means students may participate from the comfort of their own homes (or anywhere with a reliable, fast internet connection). Students do not need to create an account to participate, but should test out Zoom before their class if they are first-time users. On Thursday, August 27, from 5:30pm to 6:30pm, MWPA’s Hannah Perry will offer a test session on Zoom. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in the test session, which usually takes only 5-10 minutes, and those who do not are responsible for ensuring that they are able to use Zoom on their own. The week of the workshop, students will be emailed a link that they may click to enter the test session and the class.
+ REQUIRED EQUIPMENT A reliable, fast internet connection (broadband wired or wireless (3G or 4G/LTE), speakers & a microphone (built-in or USB plug-in), and a webcam (built-in or USB plug-in).
If you would like to quickly and easily test your internet connection and your computer’s compatibility with Zoom, click HERE. Full details on supported Operating Systems, internet browsers, and more can be found HERE. To download and familiarize yourself with Zoom, click HERE.
Arielle Greenberg has taught in a number of low-residency MFA programs and is a former associate professor in the poetry program at Columbia College Chicago. Twice featured in the Best American Poetry series, she is a MacDowell Colony fellow and the author of three works of creative nonfiction/lyric essay—Locally Made Panties, Shake Her, and, with Rachel Zucker, Home/Birth: a Poemic—and five books of poetry. VISIT ariellegreenberg.net
ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED
All MWPA workshops require advanced registration. We accept registration by phone, mail, and online via PayPal. We cannot guarantee registration in the final 24-hours before a workshop, and can rarely accommodate day-of registration.
PAYMENT & CANCELLATION POLICIES
If you need to withdraw from a class after registering for any reason, please email or call the MWPA immediately. You may be eligible for a partial refund or credit, depending on how far in advance you cancel. → MORE INFORMATION
QUESTIONS
For any questions regarding this workshop, please contact Hannah Perry at hannah@mainewriters.org.
REGISTER BY PHONE
Call 207-228-8263 and register with your VISA or MasterCard.
REGISTER BY MAIL
If you prefer to pay by mail, please print this registration form (downloadable PDF) and mail it to the MWPA with a check or credit card information. Please note that mail delivery to the MWPA office is currently experiencing extensive delays, so please email hannah@mainewriters.org first if you would like to register by mail.
SCHOLARSHIP
The MWPA is proud to offer one full scholarship to this workshop for members-only. Scholarships are awarded on a combination of need and merit. Application Due on August 17 at 9:00 a.m.
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MWPA WORKSHOP POLICIES
Registration in any MWPA workshop, program, or event constitutes your agreement to our terms and conditions. → MORE INFORMATION