In this workshop, participants will explore the depths and perspectives of violence in their writing. Some questions we'll unpack include: (1) When should we include—and exclude—violence in our writing; what does violence do to our characters, to our readers? (2) How can we incorporate interiority and backstory to write violence more compellingly and to complicate victim-perpetrator dichotomies, tropes/stereotypes, etc.? We'll use Octavia Butler's Kindred, as well as other examples from fiction, non-fiction, and memoir, to explore interpersonal, psychological, sexual, racial, political, structural, and generational violence. By the end of this workshop, we'll think more critically about our responsibilities as writers of violence while also developing strategies to write violence that effectively develops our stories. Especially given that this class focuses on violence, we'll prepare our discussions in a way that cultivates an inclusive, safe environment while avoiding triggers and retraumatization, and we encourage participants to take good care of themselves and excuse themselves when needed.
Writers can expect reading homework and in-class writing exercises; participants will also be expected to submit one piece to workshop and to provide verbal and written critique of others' submissions. Note: As class will not meet the week of March 27, we will extend the workshop through the week of May 15.
Required Text:
Kindred, by Octavia Butler
