Students are taught in a supportive environment, seminar-style so that they can explore and learn to write in a variety of formats. Creative Writing classes are small with a maximum of ten so students can receive feedback from the instructor and classmates.
Instructors Tracy Lynch and Douglas Jones teach most weekly classes.
Class Schedule
Memoir Writing [34]
Tue, Sep 9–Nov 25, 10 am–1 pm (12 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor Conference Room
DOUGLAS S. JONES
Willa Cather wrote, “Some memories are realities and are better than anything that can happen to one again.” Ernest Hemingway wrote, “Memory is hunger.” This class merges the two notions that memories are heightened experiences and that they make us hunger for more. The instructor offers students encouraging feedback and specific writing prompts to help develop ideas.
Introduction to Cross-Genre Writing NEW! [35]
Fri, Sep 12–Dec 5, 10 am–1 pm (12 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor Conference Room
CATHERINE CARSON
This class will explore writing and reading work that is cross-genre, meaning a blend of multiple genres such as poetry, prose, fiction, and creative nonfiction. A cross-genre exploration allows students to stretch their notions of genre and write something new and experimental. Guidance and prompts will be provided for all writing that is to be workshopped. Reading lists and materials will
also be provided, as we will be reading for a portion of every class as well as talking about craft. Students are expected to complete some homework between classes.
Writing the Shadow [36]
Mon, Sep 8–Nov 24, 7–10 pm (12 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor Conference Room
DOUGLAS S. JONES
Each of us has a dark self. Sometimes we glimpse it in dreams; sometimes we come to know it in our thoughts or imaginings. The aim of this course is to draw it out and see what we can learn from it. Students explore ways in which a realization of the shadow can open creative avenues for use in various writing exercises, including guided imagery, dream work, and active imagination.
$260 (VMFA members $240)
Confessional Poetry [37]
Wed, Sep 10–Dec 3, 7 –10 pm (12 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor Conference Room
CATHERINE CARSON
Confessional poetry marked a revolution in poetic style in the mid-20th century. Confessional poets wrote in direct, colloquial speech rhythms and used images that reflected intense psychological experiences, often culled from childhood or battles with mental illness and breakdowns. In this class, students will study these poets, including Sylvia Plath, Anne Sexton, and Robert Lowell. With guidance from the instructor, participants will learn to write their own confessional poetry.
$260 (VMFA members $240)
Memoir Writing Workshop [38]
Sat, Oct 4, 10 am – 4 pm (1 session) |Studio School, 2nd floor Conference Room
DOUGLAS S. JONES
Willa Cather wrote, “Some memories are realities and are better than anything that can happen to one again.” Ernest Hemingway wrote, “Memory is hunger.” This class merges these two notions: that memories are heightened experiences, and that they make us hunger for more. The instructor offers students encouraging feedback and specific writing prompts to help develop ideas.