WDtS Egleston: Scheherazade in Crocs: Working-Class Storytelling as Survival

Class Description

In the 1001 Nights, the character Scheherazade holds off a muderous king by telling stories, each night ending on a cliffhanger with the promise to continue the story the next night. This way, Scheherazade makes it through (and beyond) 1001 nights. In this course, we’ll look at storytelling through a similar lens: storytelling as a tool for survival—or at least as a means of brightening a dull workday. Using stories from the 1001 Nights as our models, we’ll practice modernizing and conversing with preexisting narratives (a proven cure for writer’s block). Along the way, we’ll hone techniques of improvisation, wordplay, and suspense-building. Participants can expect to leave these sessions with at least the beginnings of a draft. All writers—including those writing in Spanish or Portuguese—of all levels are welcome!

Who Should Register?

Write Down the Street has a special focus on making the creative writing workshop more accessible to those who face challenges due to cost, language skills, lack of access to transportation, and other barriers. We believe that all voices must be spotlighted with the range and fullness they deserve.

These programs are offered tuition-free thanks to the support of generous donors who are committed to our mission of ensuring all voices are heard.

Families welcome. Coffee and snacks provided (at sites that allow food/drink). Teens are welcome to attend with an older relative. We will provide simple activities to keep young children occupied.