1) Writing Your Identity - Six Weeks of Summer Writing (Chicago)

Each and every one of us possess complex identities, which include such elements as race, age, ethnicity, gender, orientation, religion, class, national, political orientation and much more. In this summer workshop, you'll be encouraged to write your identities through the lens of fiction and/or creative nonfiction. (All prose genres are welcome.) We'll aim to create powerful stories with rich and compelling characters, while also exploring the basic elements of fiction/non-fiction writing: plot, dialogue, point of view, setting, structure, and more.

All levels of writers (including beginners) are welcome. The workshop will meet in person in downtown Chicago, in two three-week sessions; you may register for either session, or for both. Class size is limited to twelve per session. During session one, we'll do focused exercises on character, setting, voice, and pov. In session two, we'll critique a completed short story from each member, as well as discussing plot, structure and theme. (Note: There is a one-week break between the two sessions.)

Workshop dates: Mondays, July 13th - August 24th, 6:00 - 8:30 p.m

Texts

There is no required text; I'll be using work from a writing book I'm developing myself, and will provide copies to students as needed. You'll also be assigned published stories to read and discuss each week during session one; these will be available online or provided to you.

Payment Form

Session 1 (character/setting/voice/pov) : July 13 - July 27 ($100)
Session 2 (plot/structure/theme): Aug 10 - August 24 ($100)
Both sessions: $175
If you have serious financial need, some discounted registration may be available; e-mail me and ask.

Registration deadline: July 10, 2009.

To register using your credit card or PayPal, just click below and fill in the appropriate amount:

If you prefer to register by check, please contact me for the address, and if you have any questions, please feel free to send me e-mail at m@mamohanraj.com.

2) Intermediate Fiction/Nonfiction Writing - Six Weeks of Summer Writing (Online)

In this six-week online workshop, you'll further explore the craft of writing fiction or creative nonfiction. Participants are expected to submit and critique two complete short pieces each (fiction or nonfiction). We'll aim towards powerful work with rich and compelling characters, while also exploring more advanced elements of fiction/non-fiction craft: varied points of view, time jumps, narrative styles, structure. This class is appropriate for writers who have been writing for some time and are ready to start sending stories out (or who are already submitting pieces).

Class is limited to nine members (reading/critiquing three stories per week), and will meet online through a private mailing list. Please be prepared to read and offer substantial critique for your classmates' stories throughout the workshop. We'll also meet weekly in an online chat session; attendance for the chats is optional. Chat time will be determined once registration is closed, at a time convenient for the majority of members.

Workshop dates: July 13th - August 17th.

Texts

There is no required text.

Payment Form

Six-week session: $100
If you have serious financial need, some discounted registration may be available; e-mail me and ask.

Registration deadline: July 10, 2009.

To register using your credit card or PayPal, just click below and fill in the appropriate amount:

If you prefer to register by check, please contact me for the address, and if you have any questions, please feel free to send me e-mail at m@mamohanraj.com.