WAN Academy: Self-Portrait, With and Without w/ Chibbi

Explore identity through contrast in this generative poetry workshop on using images as a form of storytelling

OVERCOME WRITER’S BLOCK, BECOME A BETTER WRITER & HAVE FUN WITH WRITING AT THE WRITE ABOUT NOW ACADEMY

The Write About Now Academy is a year long schedule of instructor-facilitated virtual writing classes. Every month we are offering writing intensives facilitated by some of the most talented poets from all across the globe. Each master class will focus on a different topic, but will leave you feeling empowered, enlightened, and elevated in your craft. If you can't make it at the scheduled time, register anyway! You will also have access to the recordings and workshop material just in case you miss a class or wish to revisit a class you attended.

THIS MONTH'S WORKSHOP: Self Portrait, With and Without

Who are you—beyond your job title, your to-do list, or the way you look in the mirror?

In this generative poetry workshop, we’ll use Chen Chen’s “Self-Portrait With and Without” to explore identity through contrast: what we’re holding, what we’re missing, what we’ve survived, what we’re still becoming. You don’t have to describe your face. You can describe your laugh. Your scars. Your cravings. Your grandmother’s voice. Your bad habits. Your tenderness.

Through prompts and guided exercises, we’ll play with repetition, lists, and specificity to create self-portraits that feel honest, layered, and alive. Whether you’re brand new to writing or returning to it after a long break, this space is about curiosity—not perfection.

Come ready to write into the space between “with” and “without.” You might meet a version of yourself you haven’t named yet.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR: Chibbi

M.R. “Chibbi” Orduña is a Mexican-born, Texas-raised queer performer, poet, publisher, producer, and community organizer with over 15 years of experience. As the Creative Director of Gem.In.Eyes Productions, Chibbi empowers artists through multi-genre projects. They are the Editor-in-Cheif and Director of Virtual Programming at Write About Now, Director of Media Production at Write Art Out, and Sr. Program Manager for Out in Tech. Their latest book, OTRO/PATRIA (2019) explores the identity intersections of culture and queerness. A three-time San Antonio Poetry Grand Slam Champion, Chibbi has performed nationally and coached teams to top finishes at major slams. Their work, featured in publications like OutSmart and Buzzfeed, has garnered over 2 million views. Chibbi is a recipient of fellowships from Tin House, Lambda Literary, and more, and was the recipient of the 2022 Arts and Letters Award from the Friends of the San Antonio Public Library.

HOW TO ATTEND

A Single Class Pass provides access to an individual class as well as its recording. All classes are free to active, paid monthly Write About Now Members on Facebook, Square or PayPal. For more info on how to become a member, visit www.wanpoetry.com.