This course has been post-poned for the time being. If you are interested in taking this course when it is offered next, please contact us.
The instructor will run the twelve-week course as a mixture of in-class writing assignments, craft lectures, critical reading discussions, and constructive peer workshops. Inspired by the Saxifrage model, the course will examine practical ways in which students can explore their creative work daily, as well as offering innovative means for sharing their writing with the world. A closing feast will celebrate the group's collaborative effort, and will provide an opportunity for a public reading.
I. Write.
Collaborate on a thematic mixed-media journal each month: three months of writing a piece per week on three different themes. We will publish our work as a collection on Medium.com. Having somewhere to share our writing will keep us motivated and ensure we try to write something that matters. Our themes will try to address important needs or topics relevant to our place, time, and community here in Pittsburgh.
II. Read.
Read great writing by great writers and read each other’s writing. Reflect on and critique both of these as a group. We will enjoy a mix of non-fiction, fiction, and poetry.
III. Get Technical and Concise.
Each week, the instructor will address common errors within the context of readings and workshop. The class will work toward excellence one imperfect sentence at a time. Our practice will prioritize editing as much as writing.
IV. Work Closely with the Instructor and Draft, Edit, Draft, Edit, Draft, Edit.
Work to hone your technique and identify writing habits. All members will help each other pursue excellence through patience and process. The group will also critique your work and you will draft pieces multiple times. By the end, a creative community will emerge, one you can turn to for feedback, constructive criticism, and encouragement long after the course is finished.
Jessica Server earned her MFA in poetry and travel writing from Chatham University. She works as a teaching artist and writer around Pittsburgh, where she contributes a weekly food column for Pittsburgh City Paper and teaches non-fiction at Pittsburgh CAPA. Her first chapbook of poems, Sever the Braid, is currently available from Finishing Line Press.
Adam Dove was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA. An upcoming graduate of the University of Pittburgh's creative writing program, Adam has spent much of his undergraduate career as a teaching assistant, leading the Millvale Writer's Group, and as an editor of the university's literary magazine, Three Rivers Review.
Our class will be hosted at the offices of PULSE at 5151 Penn Avenue
This course is more expensive than others because of how much time it takes for facilitators to closely read your writing and offer you good feedback. We want to give them the time they need to work with each student and, therefore, are limiting the course to just 8 students. $595 Total: $425 tuition, $100 admin, and $70 supplies. Purchase your half-tuition ticket now and we'll bill for the rest later.
If you have any questions, e-mail [email protected]
The Saxifrage School is an informal, non-accredited educational organization offering students a valuable learning experience; students will not receive any sort of credit for completing courses. Please read our refund policy.