Making Moments: Writing Workshop by Zinnia Smith

TRUSTING THE WRITING SELF

We are both imperfect writers and imperfect people, and sometimes the one disrupts the other or vice versa: hesitation, perfectionism, responsibility are all as much a part of the writing process as the more compelling, imaginative components that inspire us to practice the art of writing. So let's release it. This writing class aims to loosen the serious constraints around a writing practice by encouraging play, inspiration, and an opening up of our writing intuition.

We’ll start by discussing inspiring reflections on intuitive creativity from Rick Rubin, Toni Morrison, and Audre Lorde. Together we’ll read flash and poetry examples of varying styles and approaches to reconnect to the self that lives for the beauty of writing. The second half of class offers writing time much like an art studio practice with a focus on production (writing prompts to assist). By creating this writing space, we will learn to better trust our writing self.

Music will be played. Nobody will make you read anything aloud.

Come with an open mind and be ready to write in a lively, conversational, generative space. We'll write in the warm and beautiful space of Narrative for inspiration.

Please bring your favorite writing materials, but writers are encouraged to work with pen + paper.

$5 credit for an in-store purchase is included with the ticket price: must be redeemed during the event and within 1 purchase.

BYO/potluck bites & bevs: guests are welcome to bring outside food and bevs for themselves or to share. All shareable items must be nut free.

Zinnia Smith (she/they) is a writer and educator from Somerville. She's published with TSR: The Southampton Review, Voicemail Poems, and Peach Mag, among others. Her writing is featured in the speculative anthology, Worlds in Which. She won Fugue's 2018 writing contest for prose and was long listed for the Ralph Angel Poetry Prize by Foundlings Press in 2022. She’s taught writing and literature for years, and most recently was a 2024 Mass Cultural Council Grant for Creative Individuals recipient. She’s passionate about the collaborative efforts of multicultural classroom spaces and arts communities, and through mentors, her disability became a wisdom and guide in these practices.

Please email [email protected] with any questions. Further event details will be sent via email to all registered guests during the week of the event.

Host or Publisher Narrative, LLC