Class Description

In this generative class, you’ll be part magician and part craftsperson. On the one hand, I’ll provide you with techniques and writing prompts to help channel your unconscious and obsessions—the magic part. On the other, you’ll learn craft tools that will mold those obsessions into compelling prose. This class will focus mainly on flash fiction and nonfiction and prose poetry. You’ll also try your hand at different styles: a story composed of just one sentence, a voice-driven piece addressed to your former self, a "break-up" poem, and work that innovates with narration, such as a story told by an animal, inanimate object, or house, for starters. This class is designed for beginners—as well as more advanced writers looking for inspiration, out-of-the-box prompts, and a close look at how to adopt craft tools from literary texts. Classes will feature a combination of craft lectures, discussion of assigned reading, and generative writing assignments. There will also be short readings and exercises to complete at home, taking 1-3 hours. You will be encouraged to share work and receive on-the-spot verbal instructor and peer feedback. Two short reading assignments will be emailed prior to the first class. By the course’s end, you’ll have a portfolio of diverse work, a command of craft tools, and a method for combining the magic and madness of writing with the more sober, methodical act of weaving it into something that makes sense. For beginners of all levels and genres. May also appeal to more experienced writers looking for a refresher and structure. Limited to 10 writers. ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR LEONORA DESAR's fiction has appeared in places such as River Styx, Passages North, The Cincinnati Review, Black Warrior Review, and Columbia Journal, where she was chosen as a finalist by Ottessa Moshfegh. She has been selected for The Best Small Fictions 2019 and 2021, Best Microfiction 2019, 2020, 2021, and the Wigleaf Top 50. She was a runner-up/finalist in Quarter After Eight’s Robert J. DeMott Short Prose Contest, judged by Stuart Dybek, and Crazyhorse’s Crazyshorts! contest. Her journalism has appeared in Psychology Today, WomansDay.com, Parenting magazine, WomansDay.com, Business Insider, and others. She holds an MFA in fiction from NYU, where she taught creative writing, and an MS from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.

Cancellation Policy

If you withdraw from a workshop TEN DAYS OR MORE before the start of the class: You'll receive full credit toward another workshop OR a full refund (minus 10%, a transaction fee that is non-refundable and that we would otherwise be charged). If you withdraw from a workshop nine days before the start of the class up until 48 hours before: You'll receive a refund minus 20%. If you withdraw from a workshop less than 48 hours before the start of a class or after the class has begun: We cannot offer credit or any refund. If you are absent on the day of your workshop or miss it for any reason, we are unable to offer any kind of refund or credit. If we have to cancel a class you have paid for, you will receive a full refund, without the service charge deducted. For our full listing of policies, visit www.PioneerValleyWriters.Com, Policies page (under Home). To withdraw and receive a partial refund according to the above, please get in touch with Joy at joy@pioneervalleywriters.org

Contact Details