WAN Academy: La Loba - Gathering the Bones of Self w/ Chibbi

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: La Loba - Gathering the Bones of Self

In this craft-focused generative workshop inspired by the myth of La Loba — the Wolf Woman who gathers bones and sings them back to life — we’ll explore how myth and metaphor can deepen your writing and offer powerful pathways into reclamation, instinct, and creative agency.

Through guided instruction, discussion, and close reading, we’ll examine how contemporary writers use myth as a structural and emotional engine. We’ll break down metaphor as a sophisticated craft tool, look closely at the symbolism within the La Loba story, and study a modern mentor text to see these techniques in action.

Then, using a structured but flexible prompt, you’ll draft an original poem, short narrative, or hybrid piece that explores the “bones” you’re ready to gather and the song you want to bring into your work. This workshop is designed for writers who want to push deeper into layered imagery, personal mythmaking, and transformative metaphor.

In this workshop, you will:

• Explore myth and metaphor as advanced craft strategies
• Analyze the La Loba story for symbolic and thematic resonance
• Study a contemporary poem as a mentor text
• Engage with a generative prompt designed for poetry, prose, or hybrid work
• Draft new writing with space to share and connect

Come ready to gather your bones, raise your voice, and write into your most instinctive, expansive self.

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.