A Blade Called Privilege: Literary Activism in Fiction

Literary Activism encompasses the entire spectrum of writing from memoir to literary journalism, poetry, and fiction. In this class we will focus primarily on fiction with the implicit understanding that many forms often braid together. We will approach literary activism as an exploratory process, one in which we piece together “the shards of personal experience,” as Patricia Hampl says. To this end, we will examine the narrative stance of present-day activists struggling to resist as well as historical icons. As writers we must evolve how we observe the world as artists to inform where we stand relative to our material. That particular positioning, along with the elements of style, affects the piece entirely. We will pay special attention to the formal aspects of creative technique such as dialogue, characterization, and metaphor.

Side B of this workshop involves crafting a short prompt based on the material we’ve discussed during the lesson. Volunteers will share their lines with the workshop for a truncated workshop. Questions regarding interest in writing as a hobby, career, or within academia are welcomed at any time.
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Genre: Fiction

‍Level: Intermediate/Advanced

‍Format: Craft and generative workshop with reading, discussion, writing outside of class, and peer feedback.

‍Location: This class takes place remotely online via Zoom.

‍Size: Limited to 12 participants.

‍Suggested Sequence: Follow this class with a feedback course or a publishing course.

‍Cancellations & Refunds: Cancel at least 48 hours in advance of the first class meeting to receive a full refund. Email info@litcleveland.org.