An ONLINE 5 Week Writing Workshop
Mondays, July 17-August 14
ALL LEVELS
The traditional workshop model—which fosters competition, is rooted in white supremacy, and encourages the inferiority of its own participants as artists—has no place in the political future that the writers of tomorrow need. Drawing inspiration from The Anti-Racist Workshop by Felicia Rose Chavez, these five sessions will be geared toward unlearning some of traditional writing instruction’s most harmful lessons, while also empowering participants to engage in a supportive arts community, embrace their aesthetics, nurture their creative instincts, and generally connect more deeply—both with the self and with their fellow artists. The goal of this workshop is not “products.”
We will of course be generating (by hand), sharing (aloud), editing, and workshopping our writing; however, the true takeaway is a practice that will sustain students throughout the workshop and beyond. Students will be reading works by Felicia Rose Chavez, Peter Elbow, Liz Lerman, as well as a selection from a living archive of contemporary writers such as Ling Ma, James Hannaham, Yohanca Delgado, Deesha Philyaw, and Jamil Jan Kochai, among others. Students will also contribute to this living archive, thereby expanding participants' reading lists and also honoring their creative inspirations.
Taking a decolonized approach, this course will require immediate recognition of the participants' artistry. Put another way: participants must leave behind a self-doubting headspace to engage in this workshop, while also being prepared to treat every participant with the sensitivity and respect that they deserve. It will also be integral that participants recognize one another as members of a community on equal footing, rather than competitors. What we will be undergoing requires great vulnerability. Participants are expected to engage appropriately and accordingly. Open to all levels, though BIPOC, LGBTQIA, persons with disabilities, and others of marginalized identity are particularly encouraged to attend.
+ PLEASE NOTE This workshop will occur online via Zoom. Students do not need to create an account to participate, but should test out Zoom before their class if they are first-time users. 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.
Jenzo DuQue is a Colombian American writer, editor, and teacher. He received his MFA from Brooklyn College, where he served as an editor of The Brooklyn Review. Jenzo has been awarded fellowships with Shenandoah, PERIPLUS Collective, and The Aspen Institute. His writing has been published widely, as well as anthologized in The Best American Short Stories 2021 and Best Microfiction 2022. Born in Chicago, he lives in Brooklyn. Read more at jenzoduque.com!
ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED
All MWPA workshops require advanced registration. We accept registration by phone, mail, and online via our website. 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 Meghan Sterling at programs@mainewriters.org.
REGISTER BY PHONE
Call 207-228-8263 and register with your VISA or MasterCard.
$245 members / $450 Nonmembers
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.
SCHOLARSHIP
The MWPA is proud to offer one partial scholarship to this workshop for members-only. Scholarships are awarded on a combination of need and merit. Email Meghan at programs@mainewriters.org to see if a scholarship is still available. Application Due on June 1st 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