Diving Deeper Revision Circle with Arminé Iknadossian

This revision circle offers a place to share your creative writing, receive helpful revision strategies and get the opportunity to provide feedback to others. While there is no minimum experience level or application required, this workshop is geared towards writers who are already familiar with literary critique environments and are ready for fresh perspectives on their work.

Space is limited to 6. Advance registration is required (not a drop-in class). SLIDING SCALE AVAILABLE.

What We'll Do:

Bring your WIP (works in progress) to our Diving Deeper Revision Circle for feedback from practicing writers. In this supportive, diverse and dynamic environment, we will practice respectful, inquisitive and constructive critique. The goal is to help each writer advance toward their writing goals with ideas for revision.

This is a creative and anti-racist critique space for the group dynamic to co-create together, while supporting each other's individual artistic journeys. We operate with the belief that there is no "right or wrong" way to write, and we honor each person's interests and voice.

Each week will involve a brief review/discussion on the following topics, then an equal amount of time will be given to each participant for workshopping. While this workshop runs 10am - 12 pm PST, there will be a nice 30 minute buffer period afterward for participants to socialize or ask questions because community is important!

Week 1: Setting Goals (Expressing what we need from our peers.)

Week 2: Taking Risks (Try a new writing strategy or subject.)

Week 3: Cutting Deep (Don’t be afraid to shorten a draft.)

Week 4: Giving Shape (Try a new form or invent one.)

Week 5: Saying it Loud (Subjects that scare us.)

Week 6: Sending it Out (Why publish?)

NOTE: While this workshop is geared towards poetry, short prose pieces are also welcomed.

What You’ll Get:

* an opportunity to share your writing with a diverse and intimate group setting

* tried and true revision techniques for works in progress

* sample poems and prose that utilize effective writing strategies

* encouragement and inspiration for whatever writing project you are working on

What You’ll Need:

* a typed poem or piece of prose to share (1-6 pieces)

* Zoom account

* Laptop, computer or phone with Zoom installed

* Pen and Paper (optional)

* Microsoft Word to download handout

How to Join:

1. This small-group workshop requires advance registration and is limited to 6 participants. Sorry, but no one will be admitted after the first session has started, except in unusual circumstances. This is to protect the integrity of the group and create the opportunity for deep literary relationships to develop.

2. You have options for payment. You can pay in full on Eventbrite up front, or email surprisetheline@gmail.com to pay via Venmo, to pay in installments via Venmo, or to send a check in the mail.

*If you are experiencing financial hardship, and would like the possibility of earning a scholarship ticket, please email armiknado@gmail.com a short summary of your situation.

NOTE: If you'd like an additional 1-on-1 private consultation about your works in progress, you can add a 1 hour consultation with the teacher to your ticket (optional).

About the Teacher:

Born in Beirut, Lebanon, Arminé Iknadossian’s family fled to California when she was four years old to escape the civil war. After graduating from UCLA, Iknadossian earned an MFA in Creative Writing at Antioch University. The author of All That Wasted Fruit (Main Street Rag), Iknadossian’s work is included in Whale Road Review, Southern Florida Poetry Journal, KYSO Flash/MacQueen’s Quarterly and The American Journal of Poetry. She has received fellowships from Idyllwild Arts, The Los Angeles Writing Project and Otis College of Art and Design. She lives in Long Beach, California where she offers writing workshops and private manuscript consultations. Discover more at www.armineiknadossian.com.

Surprise the Line Diversity Statement:

We stand in solidarity with Black Lives Matter. We believe in empowering more writing on the page and encouraging more diverse voices in the world. We operate with an anti-racist, anti-ableist, anti-sexist, anti-classist, anti-xenophobic, nondenominational, pro-LGBTQIA, pro-environment and global worldview. We bring the values of integrity, generosity, compassion, critical thinking, and equity into every workshop.

Surprise the Line offers a variety of community writing workshops. For a full calendar of events, visit our website. To be notified of new events via email, click here.