Lara Messersmith-Glavin
Fiction helps shape the way we understand others and ourselves. It tells us about the nature of struggle and combat, of love and family, of our roles and expectations. It informs what we think it means to be a hero or a villain—or a character at all. It can define the boundaries of our imagination or our understanding of power; it can compress or expand our notion of what is possible. With this in mind, I would like to offer a 2 hour creative writing workshop for folks interested in developing short stories or long-form fiction to explore possibilities for creating revolutionary change. We will begin with a brief discussion of the visionary potential of creative writing and look at some concrete examples through readings and familiar texts. Next, we will explore character- versus plot-driven narrative structures and weigh the advantages and limitations of each, as well as consider the different processes or approaches they might entail. Participants will then work in small groups to reflect on issues from their own organizing or political experiences that they want to see explored in fiction. Lastly, participants will spend some time brainstorming or drafting elements of either character or plot that would allow them to address such issues in a story. Folks are welcome to share what they come up with, but no one will be required to read their writing aloud. All levels of experience or literacy are welcome. Participants should expect lively, respectful discussion as well as quiet solo work time. All folks who take part will also be given a small zine of creative writing prompts to take home and will have a chance to share their own with the group.
