Tell It Slant // Uncovering the Truth in Memoir

$175

Tell It Slant // Uncovering the Truth in Memoir

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Part container, part permission slip, this 2.5 hour class weaves together craft techniques, theoretical frameworks, and, in the literary world, the all-too-often forgotten practice of holding space for human emotion as we explore what, exactly, "truth" is and can be. How can we write into truth — and what responsibilities to "truth" are you carrying that you don't need to carry any longer?

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Tell all the truth but tell it slant —

Success in Circuit lies

Too bright for our infirm Delight

The Truth's superb surprise

As Lightning to the Children eased

With explanation kind

The Truth must dazzle gradually

Or every man be blind —

— Emily Dickinson

About This Class

How do we give ourselves permission to tell the untellable? "Truth" is one of the most impossible concepts to reckon with in a story, and it is a question of both craft and ethic.

In this class, we'll discuss how memory works, but also how group think, generational, and societal dynamics shape and impact not only a narrative, but a self.

We'll examine the texts of memoirists who've tackled this question like Melissa Febos and Maxine Hong Kingston, and also consider theoretical frameworks that help us reckon with hauntings and ghosts. Trauma-informed generative writing prompts will help us explore our own past family dynamics and self-limiting beliefs.

This class is both a container and a permission slip for those writing their way through the underworld of their own stories.

Where & When

We will meet digitally from 1-3:30 pm Eastern Sunday, October 8th. A Zoom invitation will be sent out to everyone that morning.

Out of respect for the sensitive nature of material that often arises in this class, a recording will only be provided to those who are in live attendance.

No refunds.

Testimonials

Before Tell It Slant, I felt like I needed permission from others to tell my story anytime I sat down to write. Jeanna's class helped quiet the voices looking over my shoulder and empowered me to draft with abandon. Jeanna told me what I needed to hear again (and again): I've had the power to give myself permission all along. I walked away feeling freer, both as a writer and a human.

The absolute best class. I still think about it and incorporate what I learned into my writing practice.