Creative Writing: Keep Writing
When: Tuesdays from 2:30–4:00 p.m. July 7, 14, 21, 28.
Where: Vancouver Public Library, nə́c̓aʔmat ct Strathcona Branch
Facilitator: Heidi Rennert
The point of the messy first draft is to be just that: a messy first draft. Writing takes time, persistence, and many, many drafts. Too often, we can be discouraged by the blank page or the messy draft and abandon the creative process at beginning stages. In this four-part series, we will explore different approaches to the creative process and how to cultivate your own writing practice. Through generative writing sessions, workshop feedback, readings and discussion, you’ll have the opportunity to experiment with new methods and approach writing from a place of curiosity, patience, and play. Our classes will focus on topics such as: keeping a writer’s notebook; how to ask generative questions; finding inspiration; dealing with your inner critic; writing about memories and personal experience; and revising and editing your own work. This series is ideal for beginners who would like to gain more confidence with their writing and for writers who need to deepen or jumpstart their creative process.
Philosophy: Identity & Collective Storytelling
When: Wednesdays from 1:30–3:00 p.m. May 13, 27; June 10, 17
Where: Carnegie Centre Learning Centre, third floor (401 Main St. V6A 2T7)
Facilitator: Katherine Cheng
We tell stories about who we are, where we are from, and how we are connected to other beings. We explain to friends our fears and aspirations, strengths and weaknesses, as well as joys and regrets. Why do these stories matter, and how do the stories told by others through family lore, education, technology, news and movies affect our lives? In this four-part series, we will explore what philosophers call narrative identity, our identity that is constructed through interpersonal and collective storytelling. Through discussions and art activities, we will dive into questions about self, emotion, and justice.
Art & Storytelling
When: Thursdays from 1:00–2:30 p.m. May 7, 14, 28; June 4, 11,18
Where: Carnegie Centre Learning Centre, third floor (401 Main St. V6A 2T7)
Facilitator: David MacLean
This workshop explores the melding of art and words into graphic narratives (Graphic novels, films, illustrated books, standalone pieces). Art is in us. Sylvia Fien, in her book First Drawings, notes that prehistoric cave art often resembles the work of young children. Certain symbols and shapes—spirals, animals, and so on—are inborn. The joy of drawing is usually buried by the onset of perfectionism at age seven. If you’ve given up on drawing, we will help you dig this up again. The sub-conscious speaks to us through feelings, images, and archetypes. In visual media, key elements can be made instantly apparent, while inner life and complex issues are best expressed through words. Language, combined with image, is challenging, expansive, and profoundly rewarding. Accessing it does not require a visually refined skill set.
Loving Sentences
When: Loving Sentences runs twice a year during the academic school year (in the Fall and Spring semesters)
Where: Carnegie Centre Learning Centre, third floor (401 Main St. V6A 2T7)
Facilitator: Gilles Cyrenne
In this writing and grammar mini-series, Gilles Cyrenne will guide participants through the rules and quirks of English grammar. Whether learning English as a second language, or needing a refresher, writers in the group work towards penning artful sentences following Gilles’ carefully crafted sequence of lessons on sentence structure and style.
