Creative Writing: Hybrid Moments – The Lyric Essay‌

We live in a time that challenges the binary and explores intersection and identity. In this class we will radicalize our approach to the personal narrative. What happens when we intertwine poetry and personal memoir? How do our stories of self become more realized when we break the constructs of traditional personal essay?

Have you ever wanted to experiment with form and narrative? This class will be the space to explore fusions. We will write lyric essays, explore the braided form, and learn how to weave multiple ideas together like strands and produce hybrid essays that celebrate both personal story and poetry.

In our workshops, we will have writing prompts each week meant to generate these kinds of pieces. We will read and discuss successful examples of lyric essays. We will engage in fun and experimental writing exercises and we’ll share our stories with one another.

Students will complete this workshop with knowledge of lyric and hybrid essays and how to approach fine tuning their unique voice and complete writings of their own.

Weekly Class Schedule

• 10-11 am – Craft talk and in-class readings, followed by a free write 
• 11 am – 12 pm  – In-class writing and student sharing 
• Office Hours – 12:15-1:15 pm by appointment 
• Last day of class, 10am -12 pm – Virtual performance where students will read a piece of their choosing

Find the full schedule here.

Meet Your Faculty

Sasha LaPointe is from the Upper Skagit and Nooksack Indian Tribes. Native to the Pacific Northwest, she draws inspiration from her coastal heritage as well as her life in the city. She writes with a focus on trauma and resilience, with topics ranging from PTSD, sexual violence, and the work her great grandmother did for the Lushootseed language revitalization to loud basement punk shows and what it means to grow up mixed heritage. Her memoir Red Paint is forthcoming from Counterpoint Press. Her collection of poetry Rose Quartz will be published by Milkweed. 

Website: sasha-lapointe.com

What You Will Need

• Good internet connection 
• Any electronic device that has access to the internet (phone, tablet, computer, iPod, etc.) 
• Make sure your device is charged before class begins
• Either a journal or writing program on your computer to participate in the class exercises 
• All in-class reading materials will be provided

If you have never used Zoom, check out this Zoom tutorial.