The art of collage is one of layering and juxtaposition, of creating something unexpected out of seemingly disparate images. This formula also happens to be a great way to create an exciting and dynamic piece of writing. In Making the Cut, we’ll explore how working within this visual medium can aid us with our written work on the page.

Together, we’ll look at examples of writing that borrows techniques from collage. We’ll also wield scissors ourselves and create our own collages, followed by a writing exercise where we employ collage strategies to invigorate our own work. You’ll have a chance to share your creations—both written and visual—with your fellow writer-artists.

Students will need to come to class with a pair of scissors and some visual sources to cut up (catalogs, magazines, mailers, old books, etc.) along with their writing notebook. Glue is optional. Experience with collage or visual art is not required. Note that the writing prompt will be geared towards fiction writers but writers of all genres are welcome.

About the Instructor

Lena Valencia is the author of the short story collection Mystery Lights (Tin House Books / Dead Ink Books), which was longlisted for the Story Prize, named a Best Short Story Collection of 2024 by Electric Literature, and a Best Horror Book of 2024 by Esquire. Her fiction has appeared in BOMB, The Baffler, Electric Literature, Ninth Letter, Epiphany, the anthology Tiny Nightmares, and elsewhere. Her writing has been supported by the Elizabeth George Foundation and the Convent Arts Fellowship. She holds an MFA in fiction from The New School and lives in Los Angeles, where she is the director of educational programming at One Story.

Student Testimonials

"Writing fiction is like leaping into darkness, reaching for a bar you can’t see. For the first few attempts at a story, you’re pretty much guaranteed to fall, even if you’re an experienced writer. On day one of our workshop, Lena set up a strong, elastic net of trust and support. We all felt inspired to try challenging feats, knowing that when we fell, we’d bounce back up and catch the bar with the momentum to swing to the opposite platform."

"Lena was a wonderful instructor, always a great blend of thoughtful and thorough when reading, as well as insightful during critiques. Our class featured a very diverse blend of voices, styles, and genres, and Lena was able to add value to every submission. She reads and comments with a true editorial eye, and her feedback truly helped improve my work."

“Engaging and informative... Lena provided us with prompts and helpful advice to advance our work.”

Making the Cut: Using Collage to Inspire Your Writing, a hybrid generative session with Lena Valencia