This workshop is generative, and we’ll spend a majority of our time reading and responding to each other's work. The goal of the course is to identify what’s working in your writing, simultaneously develop your intuition and objectivity, and learn what works for you in terms of approach. This course is open to writers at all levels.
If you find yourself overthinking your writing (in a bad way), stressing about whether or not it’s any good, or coming at the process from a blocked place, this class will be a great fit for you. I’ll assign a few short stories and essays to read outside of class—all in the interest of starting conversation and getting stimulated to write.
Most writing is pretty awkward at first, so, through group discussions and feedback, we’ll learn how to calm down and move forward with a little less anguish with the writing process. You’ll leave this workshop with a better understanding of your own particular strengths as a writer and the tools to build a sustainable writing practice going forward.
Class meetings will be held over video chat, using Zoom accessed from your private class page. While you can use Zoom from your browser, we recommend downloading the Zoom desktop client so you have access to all platform features.
COURSE TAKEAWAYS:
- One workshopped piece with feedback from your instructor and classmates
- A better understanding of your particular strengths as a writer
- A game plan for how to build a sustainable and fulfilling practice after you leave the workshop
- Two one-on-one meetings with the instructor to discuss your writing and goals
COURSE EXPECTATIONS:
I expect you to write one short story, no more than 10 double-spaced pages, and submit it for workshop. We’ll talk one-on-one once after your workshop, and once again after you submit your revisions to me. Each week, I’ll assign either a short story or an essay on craft, which we will discuss together before we get to the workshop. You should type out a response after reading the assignments and after reading peer work—this will help you gather your thoughts while they’re fresh.
COURSE SKELETON:
Week 1: Understanding your interests
Week 2: Identifying your strengths
Week 3: Developing a routine
Week 4: Revision and editing
Week 5: How to keep growing
Week 6: Why write?
Halle Butler is the author of the novels Jillian and The New Me. She is a National Book Foundation "5 Under 35" honoree and a Granta Best Young American Novelist.
"Halle Butler is a first-rate satirist of the horror show being sold to us as Modern Femininity." -Catherine Lacey, "[Butler] is an incisive curmudgeonly bard of the uniquely precarious times we live in." -Alexandra Kleeman, "Sublimely awkward and hilarious...[Jillian] may be the feel bad book of the year."
