“Reading Like a Writer” with Lynn Steger Strong

The best way to become a more thoughtful, stronger writer is to read and read. And then read some more. But reading as a writer is not the same as reading as a reader. It involves re-reading, first and constantly, defining and understanding the different parts of a story or a novel, of a sentence or a paragraph, taking them apart, and then considering how the writer put them all together; it involves stealing, giving language to the choices you now see the writer making, defining for yourself their impacts, and figuring out how to make these same choices yourself.

This workshop is ideal for anyone wanting to be a writer and if you are writing-curious. Designed to make you feel aware of and offer a clearer understanding of whatever it is you read and to understand all those complicated mushy feelings enacted on you by a group of formal choices that the writer made, choices you might also make.

The series will include one assigned short story for each class which you will read (at least) twice in preparation, as well as lots of in-class writing exercises. There will be an opportunity to workshop one piece of writing of your own at the end of the class for those interested.

The workshop will meet in person at Mechanics’ Hall, and provide light snacks and tea.

Details

Mondays from 6:00pm-8:00pm

March 13th, 20th, 27th, April 3rd, 10th, 24th *

Pricing

• $545 for non-members
• $395 for Mechanics’ Hall members (contact info@mainemechanics.org for a discount code!)

Click HERE to reserve your slot!

Lynn Steger Strong is the author of the novels Hold Still, Want, and Flight. Her non-fiction and criticism have appeared in The New York Times, The Guardian, The LA Times, New York, TIME, and elsewhere. She teaches writing at Columbia University and Bates College.

*please note, the workshop will NOT meet on Monday, April 17th.