Writing Creative Nonfiction: The Mosaic Essay

INSTRUCTOR: Rebecca Spears

TIME: Saturday, June 29, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. CDT

PRICE: Early bird price: $45 for members, $60 for nonmembers. The deadline for early bird pricing is Sunday, June 23. After Sunday, June 23: $55 for members, $70 for nonmembers. Become a member here. Apply for a scholarship here.

LOCATION: Hybrid.  Writespace, 1907 Sabine Street, #125, Houston, TX 77007 (map). This workshop is also available via Zoom.

LEVEL: All levels

CAP: 15

From small tiles in geometric or irregular shapes, mosaic artists assemble a larger cohesive composition. The mosaics are often stunning, especially if viewed both up close and at a distance. Just look at the public art of Antoni Gaudí or Emma Bigg; observing these artists’ use of imagery, light and dark hues, and shiny or matte materials, we feel a range of emotions as we connect to the artwork.

With the mosaic essay, writers assemble their own tiles and fragments of experience, memories, stories, dreams, lessons learned, found objects, unforgettable conversations, and even happenstance to create a larger picture for their readers. What is different about the mosaic essay, and part of the satisfaction in the writing, is to assemble selected segments without the traditional chronology and transitions. Instead, the essay is put together to let readers make their own connections and draw their own conclusions.

In this workshop, we will learn more about the mosaic essay, explore workable practices, and then draft several short pieces. Come ready to explore the montage that is the mosaic essay.

This event is funded in part by the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance. This project is generously funded by the Houston Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, and Mid-America Arts Alliance.

This project is generously funded by Mid-America Arts Alliance, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the state arts agencies of Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas.

Host or Publisher Writespace