Writing the Provocative

Class Description

Great writing should make us uncomfortable (at least a little). Not because the content is graphic or shocking, though that’s sometimes the case – but rather because the writer is being unflinchingly honest, confronting the failures, dark impulses and moral ambiguities we often spend our day-to-day lives avoiding. Whether it’s a story of personal trauma, breaking taboos, or reckoning with prejudice and oppression, writing about such themes can stir reflection and recognition in readers and create space for new dialogues. In this 3-hour seminar, we’ll explore this kind of bold, challenging writing, examining what makes a provocative piece of nonfiction or fiction succeed, along with the risks and pitfalls of writing stories that touch nerves. To drive discussion, we’ll read daring work by authors such as Jesmyn Ward, Jenny Zhang, Terese Marie Mailhot, Brian Broome, Miranda July and Chloe Caldwell. Finally, we’ll do in-class exercises to push our writing into territory that is similarly candid and unafraid.

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 more detailed information about GrubStreet scholarships, including how to contribute to scholarship funds for other students, click here.