Most writers are trying to tell a story with their work, but stories can easily fall into a narrative rut – moving along predictably, chronologically.
This class is for writers who are currently working on or are interested in exploring and crafting nonlinear narrative poems, especially those looking to practice the art of surprise to find new and compelling ways to engage readers.
Over the course of three hours, participants will experiment with three approaches to writing a nonlinear ... view more »
Most writers are trying to tell a story with their work, but stories can easily fall into a narrative rut – moving along predictably, chronologically.
This class is for writers who are currently working on or are interested in exploring and crafting nonlinear narrative poems, especially those looking to practice the art of surprise to find new and compelling ways to engage readers.
Over the course of three hours, participants will experiment with three approaches to writing a nonlinear narrative poem. We’ll begin with three poems that assemble chunks of narrative around a significant personal item—a grandmother’s butter churn, for example. Next, participants will examine what the instructor calls ambient noise—sights and sounds on the periphery of a story that lend both texture and surprise to nonlinear approaches. Finally, participants will examine poems that braid two or more narrative threads—alternating between two storylines that complete each other. The class will include two very short writing sessions, followed by a sharing of insights.
TAKE THIS CLASS IF:
You’re a poet or poetry-curious writer interested in narrative poems.
You enjoy the element of surprise when you read a story or poem.
You’ve grown tired of habitual chronology in the poems you write.
You have a narrative poem you’re working on and would like to learn ways to engage readers better.
The deadline to register for this class is Friday, April 14 at 5:00 PM CT.
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