Hybrid Moments: Exploring the Lyric Essay
We live in a time that challenges the binary and explores intersection and identity. How do our stories of self-become more realized when we break the constructs of traditional personal essay? In this class, we will radicalize our approach to the personal narrative by intertwining poetry and personal memoir. We will write lyric essays, explore the braided form, and produce hybrid essays that celebrate both personal story and the lyricism of poetry. Come prepared to engage in fun and experimental writing exercises and share stories with one another.
Sasha LaPointe
Sasha taqwšəblu LaPointe is from the Upper Skagit and Nooksack Indian Tribes. Native to the Pacific Northwest she draws inspiration from her coastal heritage as well as her life in the city. She writes with a focus on trauma and resilience, ranging topics from PTSD, sexual violence, the work her great grandmother did for the Lushootseed language revitalization, to loud basement punk shows and what it means to grow up mixed heritage. Sasha teaches creative writing at the Native Pathways Program at Evergreen and is a mentor for Seattle’s youth poet laureate program. Her memoir Red Paint has received starred reviews from Kirkus and Shelf Awareness and is available through Counterpoint Press. Her collection of poetry Rose Quartz is available through Milkweed Press.
