Class Description
In this seminar, we'll look at commonly used structures, or "containers," that help give a personal essay its shape, focus, variety, and narrative drive. We’ll look at classical, narrative arc-driven "story" forms (both chronological and non-chronological narratives, as well as "in media res" beginnings and flash forward/flashback structures); collage, layered and braided structures that weave narrative and non-narrative elements; discursive or “clothesline” structures; as well as other lyric forms, such as rhythmic/refrain forms, list forms, flash nonfiction and borrowed (AKA "hermit crab") forms. We'll examine such authors as Roxane Gay, Gary Percesepe, Jonathan Lethem, Ira Sukrungruang, Gwendolyn Wallace, Jamaica Kincaid, Ryan Van Meter, Ann Daum, Jill Sisson Quinn, Brenda Miller, and Brian Doyle, among others. Using exercises, we’ll map out ideas for possible forms and structures for your own work. Feel free to bring drafts or outlines of essays in progress to which you can apply the class lessons immediately. You will leave with an extensive reading list of essays to serve as reference for structure ideas and inspiration going forward in your work.
Class Format
This class will take place in-person at our Center for Creative Writing in Boston's Seaport neighborhood.
Covid-19 Update:
GrubStreet's space will be mask optional when Boston's Covid-19 Community Level is low or medium. When the Covid-19 Community Level is high, our space will require masks. Please check GrubStreet's Covid-19 page for the latest info on masking and Community Levels before visiting in-person.
Scholarship Information
Thanks to the excellent literary citizenship of our donors, scholarships are available for all GrubStreet classes. To apply, click the gray "APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP" button. In order to be considered for a scholarship, you must complete your application at least one week before the start date of a class. Please await our scholarship committee's decision before registering for the class. We cannot hold spots in classes, so the sooner you apply, the better. Scholarships cannot be applied retroactively.
For more detailed information about GrubStreet scholarships, including how to contribute to scholarship funds for other students, click here.
Thanks to the excellent literary citizenship of our donors, scholarships are available for all GrubStreet classes. To apply, click the gray "APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP" button. In order to be considered for a scholarship, you must complete your application at least one week before the start date of a class. Please await our scholarship committee's decision before registering for the class. We cannot hold spots in classes, so the sooner you apply, the better. Scholarships cannot be applied retroactively.
For more detailed information about GrubStreet scholarships, including how to contribute to scholarship funds for other students, click here.
This class will take place in-person at our Center for Creative Writing in Boston's Seaport neighborhood.
Covid-19 Update:
GrubStreet's space will be mask-optional when Boston's Covid-19 Community Level is low or medium. When the Covid-19 Community Level is high, our space will require masks. Please check GrubStreet's Covid-19 page for the latest info on masking and Community Levels before visiting in person.
Space Accessibility:
Our space is ADA accessible with automatic door openers, ADA-compliant restrooms, desk and table spacing, braille signage, and elevator. Our classrooms can be equipped with ALS for hard of hearing individuals. We cannot guarantee a scent-free environment. For more accessibility requests, please contact our Operations team at [email protected] or (617) 695-0075.