Finding Authenticity in Writing Practice: A 2 Day Workshop
Saturday July 30th and Saturday August 6th
Level: All Levels
Drawing inspiration from The Anti-Racist Writing Workshop, this workshop will aim to train writers how to write without thinking about writing and obeying its supposed rules. During the two sessions, students and the instructor will work together to develop daily reading and writing rituals to be practiced outside of class (students will be encouraged to try out their rituals during the week in between the two class sessions). The rituals will be designed to draw out the writer's authentic voice, to empower themselves as an artist, to trust their creative instincts, and to build a deeper connection to what inspires them. During the first session, students and the instructor will discuss Chapter 3: Instituting Reading and Writing Rituals from The Anti-Racist Workshop, examining excerpts of an advance reading and then brainstorming their own rituals. Students should come with a Writer's Notebook to be used across sessions (and hopefully beyond!) for general note-taking and generating writing in/outside of class. Students and the instructor will also practice raw writing and reading in the session, and will be strongly encouraged to share their work.
Sample the reading HERE.
During the second session, students and the instructor will discuss their experience of trying to institute their rituals. Students and the instructor will again practice raw writing and reading in the session, and will be strongly encouraged to share their work. A portion of the session will also be dedicated to "decolonizing the canon" and a supplemental multimedia list of materials for inspiration. Taking a decolonized approach, this workshop will require immediate recognition of the participants' artistry. Put another way: participants must leave behind a self-doubting headspace to engage in this workshop, while also being prepared to treat every participant with the sensitivity and respect that they deserve. It will also be integral that participants recognize one another as members of a community on equal footing, rather than competitors. What we will be undergoing requires great vulnerability. Participants are expected to engage appropriately and accordingly. Open to all levels, though BIPOC, LGBTQIA, persons with disabilities, and others of marginalized identity are particularly encouraged to attend.
+ 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 July 28th 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.
Jenzo DuQue is a Colombian-American writer, abolitionist, and criminal defense investigator. He received his MFA from Brooklyn College, where he served as an editor of the Brooklyn Review. An Inaugural Periplus Fellow and 2021 Shenandoah Editorial Fellow, Jenzo's work has found homes in Narrative, BOMB, Gulf Coast, and elsewhere. Twice nominated for a Pushcart Prize, Jenzo's writing has been anthologized in The Best American Short Stories 2021 and forthcoming in Best Microfiction 2022. Born in Chicago, he lives in Brooklyn. Follow his antics on twitter via @papiwhathappen.
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 by July 14th 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