Crafting Works of Literary Nonfiction

Instructor: Michael McColly
Date: 5 Wednesdays: February 20, 27; March 6, 13, 20
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Location: IWC
Cost: $275 nonmembers, $185 members, $165 student members/teacher members/senior members/military members/librarian members
*The cost of this class includes a $25 critiquing fee, to be remitted by IWC directly to the instructor, for work critiqued outside of class time.

This multiple session workshop focuses on the elements and craft of nonfiction, with particular attention paid to travel narratives, the essay, and hybrid or experimental forms. We break down excerpts and essays to examine elements of successful writing: writing scenes, the role of place, bodily sensation, using research, dramatizing psychological conflicts, voice, beginning and endings.  Writing exercises give participants a chance to practice and explore techniques and new subjects. Each writer will have a chance to workshop a short piece of no more than 10 pages of recently written work or one generated from the class.