Why you should take this class: What is “fiction as activism”? All writing is an act of activism if it is an honest effort to engage with or comment on or generally make sense of the world. “Activism” doesn’t have to mean militant or angry, either. It can be funny, absurdist, uplifting, anything. At a time when most writers I know just want to curl up into a little ball and shelter in place, it is both important and necessary that good fiction continues to get made. Challenging times do not render writing less relevant or useful. On the contrary, it is the best time for it. Show up with your best work, and let’s take it from there.
Class Description: This workshop will focus on how fiction writers can get story, voice, character, setting, resolution, and, pragmatically, timing, right during uncertain times in both publishing and the world. This course will tackle topics such as: how to select a timely story and setting, bring your unique personal perspective to current political events in a fictional context, and identify appropriate, relatable voice and tone (especially examining how protagonists may be both angry AND lovable). We will also discuss how to pitch a so-called “political novel” or “resistance literature.” Our goal is to have each participant be able to workshop his or her original work twice. We will also examine brief selections from other writers.
Helen Wan is a novelist and frequent speaker on race, gender, and class. Her debut novel The Partner Track (Macmillan/St. Martin’s Press) follows a young Chinese-American woman competing for partnership at a powerful law firm. She comes so close to attaining the ultimate goal of the American Dream, but suddenly, an offensive incident at the firm spotlights her status as an outsider. The book was the subject of a Washington Post Magazine cover story on the glass ceiling for Asian Americans. Her nonfiction writing on feminism, empowerment, and racial discrimination, has appeared in CNN.com, The Washington Post, The Huffington Post, and The Daily Beast. In addition to writing, Helen serves on the board of The Asian American Arts Alliance and New York Women’s Bar Association Foundation. She is currently at work on a new novel. Her author website is www.helenwan.com.
Five Sessions, 2 Hours (6PM-8PM)
Mondays, March 19th- April 16th
Fees & Payment Options: $270 General/$240 Member (JOIN THE FANCLUB!)
Registration Deadline: March 12th, 2017
NOTE ON ACCESSIBILITY
*The space is wheelchair accessible. No stairs. Direct elevator from ground floor to 6th floor.
*We strongly encourage all participants of the space/event to be scent-free.
If you all have any other specific questions about accessibility, please email Tiffany Le at tle@aaww.org.
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