Poetry is rich with the tradition of the homage poem, a poem in conversation with or inspired by another poem or person. In this space, we’ll honor “honoring” in both poetry and prose—and kick things up a notch. We will amplify this tradition with “afterthoughts,” applying similar gestures to prose. Has a piece of fiction or nonfiction stayed with you? An author’s daring conceit or choice of subject inspired or infuriated you? Do you wish to write back, or forward? Let’s. Together, we will exchange and read affecting work, and then write in response to our fellows—in praise, imitation, and/or criticism. Expect energetic and playful in-class prompts, open-mic opportunities, brief lessons on intertextuality, and pointers on how to reimagine or interact with original works in order to make your own contributions. We’ll start out in conversation with strangers and learn how to follow our own influences, questions, and fears. On the craft level, our focus will be on tone and voice, by way of allusion, citation, imitations, and transmutations. Genre will be a secondary consideration. What we have to say precedes how we say it. This is in part a class designed to help poets lean into prose and to get the poetry-curious turning to verse. Genre dedication and genre experimentation are both welcomed. Reading selections will be provided. Here’s to writing responsively, responsibly, and courageously! In this workshop, we will generate new writing through guided exercises and prompts; offer feedback/first impressions on writing you produce in our weekend.

Much of fiction and nonfiction concerns itself with inner and outer belonging. In an age of fast and slow travel, authenticity within diversity, the exercise of coming home—to a place, to the self—emerges as a mission statement of our creative work. In this workshop, we tackle that mission together. From the haunted house story to memoirs of a life spent in exile, whether writing a domestic drama, opinion pieces, or travelogues, we will bring narrative strategy and focus to writing that faces, inhabits, or complicates the idea of home, locale, and (impossible?) returns. This course is designed for writers of all levels, whether you have work in mind or in progress or prefer to generate new ideas and writing in class. We’ll read and discuss successful essays and stories that bravely approach site and situation, including works by Isaac Babel, Noviolet Bulawayo, and Harry Crews. Expect an exploration of setting, exteriority, momentum, pacing, and arc, and the chance to brainstorm, examine, and improve prose written from your very own social location. This course will include a 20-minute conference with each participant. Our sessions will be comprised of reading discussions, lectures, an in-class writing practice, as well as sharing opportunities. All readings will be provided. In this workshop, we will generate new writing through guided exercises and prompts; workshop writing you bring from home.