Writing Co-Lab

In this one session class, you will get an introduction to how a variety of Black women writers used journaling and types of small audience-writing, with examples and writing from Octavia E. Butler, Rita Dove, bell hooks, Audre Lorde and Toni Morrison. Using some of their methods as inspiration, we will then explore three options for low-stakes writing: journaling for the self, blogging for small, digital audiences, and zine-making for small audiences, with a focus on physical media. This will also include suggestions for blogging and zine-making platforms (and a short tutorial on how to make physical zines).

The first portion of our time together will be guided instruction, followed by some time for Q&A. We will also have a segment of class dedicated to guiding students to think about who their audience would be for their writing, what their goals with writing (and sharing!) would be, and some ideal topics that they aspire to write about—ultimately generating a plan for their own small publication. Part of our time together will be spent making a shared resource which will include links to our favorite blogs, zines (and perhaps local events) and our favorite journaling prompts. Students will be asked to prepared to share this information, so it may be good to bring it in advance. I encourage participation and discussion, so come ready to dive in!