ONLINE Weaving Narratives: Learning to identify—and write—braided essays
4 weeks
Thursdays
March 30 - April 20, 2023
1-3pm MT
Instructor: Sandra Phinney
MEMBER PRICE: $127.50 (with member coupon AWCSM25)
NON-MEMBER PRICE: $170.00
A braided essay is a powerful form of creative non-fiction. Think of a plait or braid such as a braided leather bracelet, lock of hair, or rug. Many materials can be used to create a braid—including sections of an essay!
Imagine three scenes or stories that are different, but related. Although three is the most common, it can also be two up to five. Your essay is presented in different sections, weaving in and out of the main theme. It’s challenging yet fun, and an effective way to tell our stories.
Each session will include handouts with sample braided essays. Through discussion and hands-on exercises, you’ll learn how to identify braided essays and their themes; come up with a concept (or more than one); and figure out what you need to do to finish an essay. Each week will build on the previous week. The goal will be to complete the first draft of one braided essay during our time together, and come up with ideas for more!
This is an interactive online class using the Zoom web platform.
Sandra Phinney’s stories have been published in over 70 publications including Nature Canada, Canadian Geographic, and the Toronto Star. She is a regular contributor to Your Local Magazine, and Saltscapes Magazine (including their annual Food & Travel publication.) Phinney has written content for Fodor’s and D.K. Eyewitness travel guides, as well as sections for the National Geographic Guide to the National Parks in Canada. She has four non-fiction books. The latest is a travel memoir for Pottersfield Press (2018), titled Waking Up In My Own Backyard—Explorations in Southwest Nova Scotia. Currently, she has a contract with Pottersfield Press to publish a book of personal essays.
Phinney delivers writing workshops throughout Atlantic Canada and Ontario on topics ranging from starting a freelance business to narrative, memoir, and travel writing. In 2021, she was the Literary Artist In Residence for four weeks at Joggins Fossil Cliffs UNESCO site.