Inspiration. Experimentation. No wrong answers.
In this six-chapter creativity-generating workshop we’ll follow in the footsteps of genius eccentrics, outsiders and outlaws who've stepped beyond their perceived limitations, risking ridicule (and worse) to access their unique creative offerings — ultimately proving that what is outside the norm — and the academy — is often the most deliciously innovative and juicy. Through playful and boundary-pushing exercises we become co-conspirators in building a vibrant universe, soaked in the imagination’s brightest colors. Flexing our natural instinct for curiosity, we'll write beyond the world of convention, actively practicing how to find inspiration anywhere.
Each chapter holds weeks worth of creative possibility, bursting with readings, artists to study, journaling prompts and creative exercises. The themes range from silly/light to inquisitive/profound, tying together disparate artists of various mediums that we'll use as a diving board into short and extended creative exercises. We’ll ignite creative experiments in non-writing mediums (just for fun!) in order to aid our writing. We’re after a hands on, interactive experience aimed at shaking up and pushing the edges of the creative spirit. The ultimate hope is for the writer to surprise themselves.
Reading. Looking. Thinking. Making.
Each chapter invites you to engage with a series of diverse artists in different mediums, as well as a packet of multiple poems, and other supplemental readings revolving around a central theme. In response, non-writing experiments, as well as short and long writing prompts will be given in service of generating new work.
Writers we’ll read include: Amiri Baraka, Tracy K. Smith, George Bradley, Nathalie Handal, Audre Lorde, Etheridge Knight, Zora Neal Hurston, Phillis Wheatley, Maggie Nelson, Jane Hershfield, Danielle DeTiberus, Kim Addonizio, Yona Harvey, Pablo Neruda, Michael Waters, Joseph O. Legaspi, Mahogany L. Browne, Safia Elhillo, Reg E Gaines, June Jordan, etc.
Time commitment: Up to you. No, really. By signing up for this course, you own the material for good. No exaggeration, you'll find enough possibility in each chapter to pump out a whole journal, sketch book and embark on twenty new projects. Seriously. It's juicy and packed. You define the entry points that speak to you from a series of multiple prompts. You choose the pace to move, and what you want to fast forward through and what you might want to return to. This is all about you, your needs, your interests. If you're the type that needs an accountability partner to not totally ignore the content you just signed up for (I don't blame you), sign up with a friend, or a group, and engage the work together.
Chapter One Intro, Inspo & Journaling
Chapter One Reading Packet
Chapter One Creative Exercises
Chapter Two Intro, Inspo & Journaling
Chapter Two Reading Packet
Chapter Two Creative Exercises
Chapter Three Intro, Inspo & Journaling
Chapter Three Reading Packet
Chapter Three Creative Exercises
Chapter Four Intro, Inspo & Journaling
Chapter Four Reading Packet
Chapter Four Creative Exercises
Chapter Five Intro, Inspo & Journaling
Chapter Five Reading Packet
Chapter Five Creative Exercises
Anyone who is curious / afraid / bored / anxious / stuck / risk-taking / inspired / boundary pushing / too comfortable / weird / not weird enough / happy / sad / mad / in other words: you.
This workshop is for writers looking to combat writer’s block, begin a new collection, try something out of the ordinary, experiment with genre and different modes of expression, and creatively play. It is also a low pressure setting for new writers who are curious about entering the writing process, and a boundary stretching journey for experienced creators. Basically, this course is for anyone willing to try on a little curiosity and wonder... just to see what happens.
All courses are available to you to explore at your own leisure. There will be no "real time" instruction or group participation. Rush through and return to content, stretch it out over years. Whatever works for you.
Unfortunately, we don't have the capacity to offer payment plans on this platform. Sorry about that.
No, this content is available for you to engage with yourself, or invite friends to take the journey with you. Aside from the content, there is no facilitator leading an experience.
I love the idea of your taking this journey with a friend! But please don't. It is expected that each participant sign up to receive their own content.
Not at all. The content cuts across levels of experience, and invites experimentation.
