Deep Dive Intensive: Description and the Other | Writing the Other

We are no longer publishing events through Eventbrite. To get notifications of new classes, pleasefollow us on Humanitixorjoin our announcement newsletterwhich also comes with discounts!BioWriters know that it’s important to write about characters whose gender, sexual orientation, religion, racial heritage, or other aspect of identity differs from their own. But many are afraid to do so for fear that they will get it wrong–horribly, offensively wrong–and think it is better not even to try.In truth, it is possible to write the Other sensitively and convincingly, and the classes offered by Writing the Other can start you on the path to doing just that.Drawing on and updating work by Nisi Shawl and Cynthia Ward, authors of the acclaimed reference Writing the Other: A Practical Approach, the courses, seminars, and retreats we offer combine lectures, discussions, and writing exercises in a safe, supportive atmosphere.

Writing the Other

When writers set out to describe people from marginalized groups, they’re sometimes overcome by anxiety over getting it right.

Creating inclusive fiction with characters that come from different identities is important. But when writers start describing people from marginalized groups, they’re sometimes overcome by anxiety over getting it right. What words and phrases should you use? Which ones should you avoid?In this craft-focused class, authors Nisi Shawl and K. Tempest Bradford dive deep into these language and description pitfalls…and how to avoid them! Nisi and Tempest go beyond the basics of eliminating food metaphors and other tired/inaccurate clichés and explore:<ul><li>How to make conscious, respectful, and inclusive language choices.</li><li>Person-first vs. Identity-first language.</li><li>When it is and isn’t okay to use slurs.</li><li>and more…</li></ul>Through lectures, short writing exercises, and feedback from students and teachers, writers will come away from the class knowing how to avoid descriptions that unwittingly reveal or perpetuate bias and oppression. Even after the class is over, students will have access to a plethora of resources for further study and practice.<ul><li>When: August 14 – 22, 2021</li><li>Where: Online via Zoom or Asynchronous classroom</li><li>Price: $150 – $250</li><li>Scholarships Available</li></ul>For full class details, including required texts, accessibility info, and available scholarships, please visit <a href="https://writingtheother.com/deep-dive-intensive-description/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">WritingTheOther.com</a>. ______________________________________________________________________________________________<h2>Course Format, Schedule, and Time Commitment</h2>Please read carefully as there are two options available for this class and they are different from previous versions of the diverse character deep dive.Option 1: Weekend Intensive Plus ($250) — On Saturday and Sunday August 14 &amp; 15 students will gather virtually on Zoom for lectures, Q&amp;A, discussion, and writing exercises with live feedback. Weekend sessions run from 10am to 5:30pm Pacific on both days. (Click here to convert to your time zone.)From Monday August 16 through Sunday the 22nd students can log in to a private WordPress forum for further discussions based on readings and more writing exercises. This section of the class is asynchronous, meaning you can log in at any time and participate on your schedule.The Weekend Intensive Plus is limited to 30 students.Option 2: Asynchronous ($150) — Writers who cannot join us for the live Weekend Intensive can chose this option. Starting August 14 you’ll have access to the private WordPress classroom where we will post lectures in text form and the recordings of the lectures. Starting on the 16th we’ll post readings, discussions, and more writing exercises. For this option you can log in at any time and participate on your schedule.The time commitment for the Asynchronous portion of the class will depend on your level of participation. Discussions based on lectures, short readings, and writing exercises will take place during the week. Discussion threads tend to be wide-ranging, so students should try to check in at least once a day or every other day. You may manage your time as needed based on your own schedule. On the last weekend, August 21 &amp; 22, there will be a set of Q&amp;A sessions with the instructors on Zoom open to all students. (Times will be determined by student availability.)<h2>Refund Policy</h2>If you find that you need to drop the class, you may do so by requesting a refund via Eventbrite.If you drop by July 30th, you will receive a full refund minus a service fee.If you drop on July 31st or after you will not have your registration fee refunded. However, you can use the funds as credit towards a future class.

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Deep Dive Intensive: Description and the Other | Writing the Other

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