Introduction to Memoir and Nonfiction with Betsy Bonner

I wish there were a less negative term than “nonfiction” for the most various, wide-ranging and inclusive genre of prose writing — which comprises everything from reportage to memoir to essay, and much, much else. It can be as artful, innovative and engaging as fiction; it just uses fact as its raw material.

In this class we’ll read some published pieces to suggest some of the many possibilities of nonfiction, and write and revise nonfiction pieces of our own. The first half of each class will function as a seminar; we’ll have a workshop in the second half. We’ll do close readings of some selected nonfiction — both shorter works and memoir excerpts — talk about writing, and, well, write. We don’t desire to be prescriptive or judgmental; sometimes, though, it’s also helpful to say, “This sentence needs fixing,” and explore ways to do it. It’s not a sin to write badly — that is, less effectively — when we’re starting out. Everybody does — even established writers in their early drafts. The premise of this course is that we are all writers at different stages of development and expertise.

Enrollment is limited to 15 students.

Class will take place online on Wednesday, January 15 and 22 from 6-9 pm.