Creative Nonfiction II
In creative nonfiction, writers find what's extraordinary in the everyday and beyond. We'll use literary techniques such as dialog, characterization, and setting to explore true events. This versatile writing style is both expressive and informative, and has application in academic, literary, and business or nonprofit settings. We'll write in genres that include the memoir and the personal essay. Those who have taken Creative Nonfiction I or have some experience in nonfiction or other genres are encouraged to join for discussion, exercises, and extensive feedback.
Note: There will be no Zoom meeting on November 1. Instead, students will work on their own and the instructor will share individual feedback on the day.
Payment plans are available for this class. Please email education@hugohouse.org to get a payment plan started.
Registration dates:
August 7: Scholarship Donation Day
August 8: Member registration opens at 10:30 am
August 15: General registration opens at 10:30 am
August 21: Last day of Early Bird pricing
Gail Folkins
Gail Folkins often writes about her deep roots in the American West. She is the author of two creative nonfiction books from Texas Tech University Press: a Pacific Northwest memoir titled Light in the Trees (2016), and Texas Dance Halls: A Two-Step Circuit (2007), which was a popular culture finalist in ForeWord Review’s 2007 Book of the Year Awards. Folkins’ essay “A Palouse Horse” was a Notable Essay in The Best American Essays 2010. Her essays and poetry have appeared in publications such as River Teeth Journal – Beautiful Things, North Dakota Quarterly, Wisconsin Life, Texas Highways, and Wildflower Magazine. She has taught at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, St. Edward’s University (Austin), and Austin Community College. Teaching philosophy: My goal is to further understanding of craft while also encouraging expression of students’ unique voices. Students have praised my workshop format and student-centered approach. Students learn to not only share a narrative, but to also explore their experiences and discoveries. I encourage students to read as writers, meaning focusing on elements of craft in addition to literary themes. Writers I return to: Edward Abbey, Julia Alvarez, Margaret Atwood, Kim Barnes, Rick Bass, Dennis Covington, Louise Erdrich, Ernest Hemingway, Pico Iyer, and Jhumpa Lahiri. Favorite writing advice: Find the extraordinary in the everyday.
