A Field Researcher’s Guide to Authoritative Storytelling [Kristen Millares Young]
All Levels. We will learn to infuse narrative with lyric accuracy through careful study of the world. Guided by authors and poets who take deep dives into their subjects, we will produce new writing during generative in-class workshops. The instructor will also offer individual consultations about one piece from each participant. Remember: research buoys a story like water carrying a boat. Keep it moving to stay afloat.
Reading & Workshop Schedule
Week One: “Some Dreamers of the Golden Dream” by Joan Didion.
Week Two: “How to Tame a Wild Tongue” by Gloria Anzaldúa and For the Time Being (excerpt) by Annie Dillard. Workshop begins.
Week Three: I Hotel (excerpt) by Karen Tei Yamashita.Workshop 2.
Week Four: The Faraway Nearby (excerpt) by Rebecca Solnit and “Apocalypse Logic” by Elissa Washuta. Workshop 3.
Week Five: The Loudproof Room and The Unsealed Ear by Kate Lebo. Workshop 4.
Week Six: Crave Radiance (excerpt) by Elizabeth Alexander and Zami: A New Spelling of My Name (excerpt) by Audre Lorde. Workshop 5.
Week Seven: On Immunity: An Innoculation (excerpt) by Eula Biss and The End of My Career (excerpt) by Martha Grover. Workshop 6.
Week Eight: The Passion (excerpt) by Jeanette Winterson. Workshop 7. Wrap up.
Class Structure
7:10 -7:55 Lecture and discussion of readings.
7:55-8:05 Break
8:05 – 8:30 Generative writing session based on the day’s craft lesson
8:30 – 9:10 Peer sharing of produced work in smaller groups alongside my individual consultation of your work, two consults per class of 20 minutes each.