WRITING COURSES
“A word after a word after a word is power.” — Margaret Atwood
FINDING YOUR FLASH
Dates coming soon
UW-Superior Continuing Education
In this course, we will focus on the fundamental building blocks of story by examining “story beats” in both literary classics and by reading flash fiction examples. We will look at genre and literary fiction, allowing you to find your voice within. After examining examples, you will have a variety of prompts to craft a narrative (or come ready with your own idea, ready to edit!). This class will give you the opportunity to work in pairs, editing and distilling your piece down to its core. After several rounds of revision and discussion, you will leave with a piece ready to pitch.
FINDING YOUR VIEW
Dates coming soon
UW-Superior Continuing Education
This course will examine first, second, and third-person points of view as well as omniscient. Through reading examples of each, the group will gain a better understanding of what works, what doesn’t, and why. Through imagery and writing prompts, participants will have an opportunity to tell the same story from a variety of viewpoints. There is no wrong way to showcase a narrative, but one can be intentional. This class will help you assess the deepest core of that story — the viewpoint.
FINDING YOUR NARRATIVE
Dates coming soon
Duluth Folk School
Memoirs and creative nonfiction explore themes of being human through personal narratives. While deeply personal, they have threads of truth woven throughout their pages. We will harness your funny, dark, or intriguing experiences in order to craft impactful prose!
This three-week course will explore the craft of expressing identities, navigating grief, and better understanding mental health through writing. Each week will have thematic reading excerpts. We will analyze and discuss these examples and thus identify how the narrative effectively relates to readers. After reading analysis, you will be provided with prompts and free writing time. There will be group feedback and time for community building.
FINDING YOUR RESISTANCE
October 7, 14, and 21
5:30-7:30 pm
UW-Superior Continuing Education
If storytelling is what makes us human, it is resistance writing that makes us a united people. After all, it was Margaret Atwood who wrote, “A word after a word after a word is power.” Harnessing that power to speak up about what matters most to us is what resistance writing is all about.
This three-week course will harness the power of words to express solidarity and examine identity. Through the words of great orators such as MLK, Emmeline Pankhurst, and Nelson Mandela, we will explore human rights in the U.S., England, and South Africa. We will examine speeches made in New Zealand’s parliament, along with the Māori Haka, and how it was used to advocate for the rights of the Māori people. We will read poetry from Toni Morrison and journal entries from Malala Yousafzai to see the various forms resistance writing can take. Through literary analysis, we will be inspired to share our voices and take action in a way that feels authentic and right. There will be time carved into these sessions for writing and feedback.
The written word is an empowering tool to share impact and story. Join us as we craft meaningful writing that speaks to what matters to you most.
TESTIMONIALS
I loved the two example stories, the instructor was FANTASTIC, I loved being able to interact and work with my classmates, and the environment was so supportive. As a first-time Folk School student, the entire experience was wonderful. Everyone was so welcoming and friendly and made me feel like I was in the right place.
Very supportive and made the writing accessible. The handout and slides were nice. Lots of examples from pop culture and whatnot. Great overview of what makes a story a story. Approachable and easy to ask questions. Good facilitator.
...supportive and knowledgeable! Her teaching style is relaxed which I LOVE -- I never felt like she was talking down to us. I also love the opportunity for feedback and that she provided prompts that can be used to submit stories now -- very thoughtful approach!
Just a phenomenal class. The Folk School is a fabulous resource in our community. I have a big mouth and will definitely recommend that people check it out!!
Fantastic instructor. She was super-effective!
We learned so much about writing and point of view. I liked the short clippings from books provided. They were very insightful. I also liked hearing how the class and instructor dissected the content after. Great conversations!
Haley was so insightful! I also love how she made space for everyone to be heard. She is a wonderful teacher and I hope to take another class with her.
I felt at ease with her. Confident in her approach to the subject and her presence
Haley, the instructor of this writing/point of view class, should teach more classes! 10/10
