Natasha Trethewey & the Existential Wound
Genres: Nonfiction, Reading, Memoir, Essay
Online
Online Open to all levels
Open to all levels 1 Session
1 Session We all have them, what former U.S. Poet Laureate and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Natasha Trethewey calls the "existential wound"—that place inside each of us that resists healing. A wound suggests conflict; conflict is foundational for plot; plot is the engine every compelling story needs. In this class, we'll examine key excerpts from Tretheway's memoir Memorial Drive as both a portal into our own existential wounds and a propulsive thematic arrow moving us toward the hurt as we dive into a series of writing exercises designed to unearth the central question and/or central tension of our personal narratives.
ADDITIONAL CLASS DETAILS:
- This class includes:
- Craft Discussion: teachers and students explore essential elements of the craft.
- Reading: class engages in close study of one or more works.
- Generative Writing: students create new work during class or from assignments.
- Work outside of class: 2-3 hours of writing or reading outside of class.
REGISTRATION DATES:
- December 4: Scholarship Donation Day
- December 5: Member registration opens at 10:30 am PT
- December 12: General registration opens at 10:30 am PT
- December 18: Last day of Early Bird pricing
Putsata Reang
Putsata Reang is a journalist and author of the debut memoir, Ma and Me, (FSG/MCD May 2022). She has helped train reporters across the globe in conflict and post-conflict nations including Cambodia, Afghanistan, Thailand and Bangladesh, and her writing has appeared in publications including the New York Times, The Seattle-Times, the San Jose Mercury News, Ms., and the Guardian, as well as anthologized in essay collections highlighting women's and Khmer voices. Putsata is an alum of writers residencies at Hedgebrook, Mineral School, and Kimmel Harding Nelson Center for the Arts, as well as the Jack Straw Writing Fellowship program. She has received grants from Washington State Artist Trust and the Alicia Patterson Journalism Fellowship.
FAQ
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Class sessions may be recorded if a session falls on a holiday, or if a student has access needs. Class recordings are not guaranteed.
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Classes may be cancelled if less than 5 students are enrolled within 10 days before the class start date. If for any reason Hugo House needs to cancel a class, students can choose between a full credit or full refund.
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