WRITING THROUGH MEMORY: WEAVING YOUR PAST WITH THE PRESENT

Each week, we will read and discuss short pieces and excerpts from contemporary authors who are known to weave their pasts into the present including Annie Erneaux, Joan Didion, Ayad Aktar, Sonya Walger, Aysegul Savas, Rachel Cusk, Emmanuel Carrere, and others. There were also be to weekly craft essays on various genres (memoir, personal essay, autofiction and hybrid). There will be an opportunity to submit one short excerpt of your own writing within this framework (can be from a short story, a personal essay or a novel-in-progress) to be workshopped during the class. This course is generative, so participants should plan to write at least 1500 words per week. Most importantly, the goal of this course is to be inspired and to feel supported in your writing. This course is for all levels of writers and readers. Class assignments: Excerpts: Frances will provide two short (10-15pp) readings per week, excerpted from novels, memoirs, and stand-alone personal essay, to be discussed during the first part of class Craft essays: two craft essays/interviews, mostly in relation to the authors and genres discussed for the week, will be provided for discussion during the first part of class We will workshop two writers’ work per week after the first introductory class; participants should plan to submit 1500 words per week even if you are not being workshopped. Class outcomes: • exposure to contemporary writers who blend their past with the present day, namely personal essay, memoir and hybrid forms/autofiction • inspiring community dialogue and critique of contemporary authors • opportunity to workshop your writing and get constructive feedback • looking at your work through a bigger picture lens; where you see yourself in the literary landscape • writing practice/planning: during the first class and last class, we will discuss overall goals for your work, whether you want to complete a short story or a personal essay, plan a bigger project like a story…