The Language of Longing: A Memoir and Poetry Workshop

The Language of Longing: A Memoir and Poetry Workshop

Join poet and educator Mariposa Fernández for a dynamic workshop exploring the pivotal moments that shape identity through coming-of-age memoir and poetry. Participants will use nostalgia as a creative lens to write about Las Navidades, holidays, endings and beginnings, family and kinship, memories of loved ones, longing, and belonging. Each session offers space to craft original work rooted in lived experience and cultural memory, fostering storytelling as healing, celebration, and connection to one’s roots and community. Readings include excerpts from My Beloved World by Sonia Sotomayor, Becoming Maria by Sonia Manzano and others.

Saturday, November 15 Nostalgia and Cultural Memory – Participants will map key moments from their memories related to Fall, Winter, and the Holidays, focusing on narration and story arc.

Saturday, November 22 Family and Kinship – Participants will engage in reflective life-writing exercises that explore memories of family and close relationships. We will focus on the use of repetition, sensory imagery and dialogue in our writing.

Saturday, December 6 Lived Experience and Fantasy – Writing prompts will guide participants in using vivid imagery, hyperbole and other literary techniques to blend memory and imagination. Participants will be encouraged to take creative risks.

Saturday, December 13 The Oral Tradition: Sharing and Revision – Participants will share their work, practice revision, and celebrate the creative journey together.