Class Description
Class Description:
The ghost story is one of the oldest and most powerful literary traditions—with the earliest depiction of a ghost dating back to a stone tablet from 1500 B.C.E. Babylon. What gives such stories such a powerful hold on readers? And what separates the successful ghost story that lingers in the readers' minds from one that merely features rattling chains and bumps in the night? In this course, we will explore a very brief history of the ghost story, discuss its conventions (and how writers have resisted such conventions), and practice writing micro-scenes that might serve for the start of your own work within this esteemed genre. This course will be useful for writers of any genre, but especially writers of short horror fiction. For writers age 13 - 18 ONLY.
Takeaway:
Students will leave with a haunting first draft of their very own along with a better understanding of what makes a story timeless.
Class Format:
This class will take place in-person at our Center for Creative Writing in Boston's Seaport neighborhood. Students who need an MBTA pass to commute to class can request one using this form. Snacks, pens, notebooks, chromebooks, and post-class pizza will be provided!
Space Accessibility:
Our space is fully 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] o
Covid-19 Updates:
GrubStreet is a mask-friendly space. When our community Covid risk level is low or medium, masks are optional. We are currently at a low community risk level, so this offering is: mask optional. If our community Covid-19 risk level becomes high, we will follow the CDC recommendations and require masks within our space. Learn more about our Covid-19 Policy here.
Registration Instructions:
- If the student is under 18, parents/guardians must complete this permission form online. You only need to fill this form out ONE TIME, NOT for every class. If you cannot remember whether you have already filled it out, please email [email protected] and we will check for you! If you do not complete this form, your registrations could be voided and the cancellation policy will apply.
- If the student is 18, simply let us know by emailing [email protected].
- If you are registering on behalf of a student, add their email in the “For a Friend or Child?” field on the right-hand side of the screen at check out. This will send them a direct link and reminder to create their own profile with GrubStreet.
- Please register with your preferred name :)
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***If you have any questions or concerns, please email us at [email protected]. We’re looking forward to writing with you this winter!***
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.