A Cross-Genre Writing Workshop
Level: All Levels
Our knowledge and experience of the world come to us first through our senses, and they are thus the means by which we navigate much of reality, identify danger and the promise of reward, and form the memories through which our identities take shape. But translating our sensory experience into language can be daunting, and in some cases, feels nearly impossible—how to capture something as elusive as a nearly-forgotten scent, or as complex as Guernica, or as distinctive as a beloved’s voice? Writers who channel the senses effectively are able to inhabit their characters and scenes more richly, and in turn able to bring readers more fully into their stories and poems. In this course, we’ll take on the challenges of each of the five senses, exploring the work of authors who are virtuosos of imagery, sound, touch, scent, and taste. But we’ll also look, listen, smell, touch, and taste. We will be reading examples of sensory-rich writing from Annie Proulx, Lia Purpura, Jesmyn Ward, Ralph Ellison, Pitchaya Sudbanthad, Pablo Neruda, and Valeria Luiselli, among others.
We’ll do exercises that give you the opportunity to dive into the complexity and power of each sense, but also go beyond into the realm of synesthesia, where the senses are no longer firmly delineated, and examine how the senses can help you approach character, point of view, theme, and style anew. Writers of fiction, nonfiction, children’s books and poetry are all welcome.
+ 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. On Thursday, June 2nd, from 5:30pm to 6:00pm, MWPA staff will offer a tech help session on Zoom. Students are encouraged to attend the tech help session, which usually takes only 5-10 minutes, if they have any tech concerns, use Zoom infrequently, or simply would like to test their connection, 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.
Tim Horvath is the author of Understories (Bellevue Literary Press), which won the New Hampshire Literary Award, and Circulation (sunnyoutside), as well as stories in Conjunctions, AGNI, Harvard Review, Hayden's Ferry Review, and elsewhere. He teaches for GrubStreet, Catapult, StoryStudio-Chicago, and is currently a Visiting Writer the MFA in Writing and Publishing Program at LIU-Brooklyn. His most recent project was the collaboration Un-bow with composer/instrument inventor Rafaele Andrade, which consists of eight stories that are designed to be read in tandem with her music; one of them, "Chop" appears in the Best Small Fictions 2021. He is also working on a novel entitled The Spinal Descent, which focuses on the lives of contemporary composers and musicians, as well as a second short story collection.
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.
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 full 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 the scholarship is still available. Application Due on May 19th 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