river of fire
a winter solstice writing workshop
Sunday, December 18, 1 — 4 PM Central on Zoom
As of December 1, River of Fire is fully booked and closed to new registrations! Thank you all and see you on December 18!
Winter is the fruitful darkness and silence from which deep yearnings and inspirations can flicker and burn. This generative workshop will help you kindle one bright new work, the flames of which you can then tend into the new year.
What does it mean to step through the darkest day of the year toward a time of greater light? Even while knowing that the darkness will not quickly dissipate? And will never dissipate entirely? What does the push-pull of dark and light mean to our work, and to our process as artists? Let’s gather together at this potent time of solstice, when we traditionally feed the animals to stave off winter’s harshness, and when we traditionally feed ourselves and each other to stave off isolation and despair, and feed, too, our inner worlds and our imaginations, to stave off the atrophy that can take hold of our creative lives at this time of the year. Let’s row together in this solstice river of fire, making new work as an amulet we carry into the year ahead.
when and where will this class take place?
This class will meet once, Sunday, December 18, from 1 — 4 PM Central, on Zoom.
what kind of writer should take this course?
This course is open to all, as long as you are ready to listen to yourself and others, and make new work!
what are the requirements?
Openness to trying new things and an internet connection! Also, about a week prior to the class, you will be sent a reading (to read ahead of time), as well as a short assignment—that is, I will be asking you to do some radical noticing which will lead to a list. That list will be the basis upon which you will collage your way into a new work (essay, story, flash, prose poem). All genres are welcome, and while beginners will feel at home, seasoned writers will definitely be offered a whole-hearted challenge. Elephant Rock does not discriminate against anyone, regardless of age, color of skin, national origin, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, gender expression and identity, sexual orientation, or anything else. We expect the same from our all of our participants.
how does this remote course work?
We’ll begin our three-hour session with a close reading of an inspiring work. We’ll then have a series of prompts, some for writing and some for revising, with which you will develop the “list” you will have brought to the class. That list will become something resembling a collage, which will in turn become something resembling a work in progress. We will work hard, laugh hard, and celebrate our progress as we light a new creative fire.
what will writers take away?
One new draft of a short work
A deeper understanding of an unconventional way into a new work
Insight into your work and process
Specific guidance on revision through individualized discussion
Access to a community of engaged and supportive fellow writers
who is the teacher?
This course is led by Jeannine Ouellette (The Part That Burns, Split/Lip Press, 2021). Jeannine holds an MFA in Fiction from Vermont College of Fine Arts. She teaches writing through the Association of Writers & Writing Program's Writer-to-Writer Program as well as through the Minnesota Prison Writers Workshop. She also serves as guest lecturer on writing at the University of Minnesota. Jeannine is the author of several nonfiction books as well as the children's book Mama Moon and her essays and fiction have won many awards and have appeared widely in magazines and literary journals. Jeannine is the founder of Elephant Rock; read her full bio here.
what is the cost?
Elephant Rock tuition for the River of Fire workshop is $99 (non-refundable). Under normal circumstances, full payment is due at least 15 days before the workshop begins, however, extended payment plans may be available in cases of economic hardship. Please email Jeannine to set that up.
how do I sign up?
This course has just three open spots as of November 30, so please email Jeannine before completing payment, then, if a spot is confirmed for you, click below to complete course registration and payment.