Reimagining the Political:
A Fiction Workshop
This workshop was offered in 2021. Sign up for our email list to receive updates for the 2022 conference.
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Online Writing Workshop
January 14-18, 2021
Led by Jade Jones
In the literary world, the label “political” can insinuate writing devoid of craft, depth or character—work with a hidden agenda meant to indoctrinate. All too frequently this label is also used as an attempt to dismiss fiction by marginalized voices. In this workshop, we will broaden our idea of what “political” writing means. We will examine work by established authors such as James Baldwin, June Jordan and Audre Lorde to see how taking a stance in fiction can be subtle and communicated by what goes unsaid. Through generative writing exercises, we will explore how craft techniques such as voice, character and language can communicate political values, beliefs and ideas to our audience. After we spend time writing, we will share our work in a supportive, productive environment. You are welcome to develop a novel or short story-in-progress or start something entirely new.
*Limited to just 10 participants.*
“Jade was incredible. I can’t speak highly enough about the warmth, professionalism and sheer joy she brought to the experience. She made me feel safe, and what more could a budding writer ask for in a group setting? Bravo! I cannot wait until the next time.”
~ Destiny-Simone, Baltimore, MD
Biography
Jade Jones was born and raised in Southern New Jersey. A former Kimbilio Fiction Fellow, she is a graduate of Princeton University and the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, where she was a Teaching-Writing Fellow. Both a writer and educator, Jade has taught all levels including elementary, college and adult learners. A winner of the 2019 PEN/Robert J. Dau Short Story Prize for Emerging Writers, her work has appeared in The Rumpus and Catapult. She is currently a staff writer for Dipsea. You can find her on Twitter at @jadereginajones and on Instagram at @jaderjones. Find out more on her website.
