Liminal Spaces: The Poetry of Transitions and Change // with Angie Ebba

Start
06 September 2023
End
17 October 2023
Location
Online
Spaces left
9

About this Class

When in periods of change or transition, many people turn to poetry to help make sense of the situation. In this class we will read and discuss the poetry that delves into these liminal spaces, as well as writing our own poetry around themes of change. We will investigate how poetry can be used as a tool of transformation, growth, and meaning-making. At the conclusion of our class we will create a collaborative chapbook of poetry. All levels welcome.

Week by Week

Each week will be composed of readings (essays and poems), discussions about both the concepts and the pieces of writing, and writing practice.

Week 1 - Defining Liminality

readings and discussion on the topic of liminality
readings and discussion on how to practice self-care when writing difficult things
repetition in poetry
various individual and collaborative creative writing prompts

Week 2 - Lessons Learned in Liminal Spaces and Places

readings and discussions on the topic of liminal spaces (emotional) vs places (physical)
discussion around some of the things we learn in liminal spaces
metaphor in poetry, and the power of metaphor
various individual and collaborative creative writing prompts

Week 3 - Through the Doorway: Taking Steps into Unknown (Writing) Territory

readings and discussion of the idea of doorways and thresholds as liminal spaces
readings and discussion around writing into the unknown parts of our lives
discussion of poetry forms as a way to give structure and introduction to several forms
various individual and collaborative creative writing prompts

Week 4 - Narrating Our Lives

readings and discussions about new perspectives on transitions
readings and discussion of poetry and expressive writing as a form of transformation and healing
narrative poetry and its role
various individual and collaborative creative writing prompts

Week 5 - Possibility in the Unknowns

discussion of the unknown and experimental writing forms
readings and discussion of liminality in mythology and folklore
personification in poetry
various individual and collaborative creative writing prompts

Week 6 - Reflecting Back and Moving Forward

discussion of how to use the things learned in this course moving forward
revision strategies and playing with existing works
compilation of works into collaborative electronic chapbook
optional Zoom gathering and open mic to share works (October 12th, 8:30PM EST / 5:30PM EST.)

Who Should Take This Class

This class is ideal for anyone going through a change, approaching a shift in their life, or who would like to process a transition they went through previously. Given that we all experience many liminal spaces in our lives, this class would be good for anyone who would like to process those and write about them. All levels of writers are welcome and encouraged.

Format

This is an online class, hosted on the online teaching platform, Wet Ink. The day before class begins, you will receive an email invitation from Wet Ink. There are no browser requirements, and Wet Ink is mobile-friendly. The Wet Ink platform allows writers to log in on their own time to post comments and critiques directly to authors’ works. This class utilizes personal reflection, group discussion, and both individual and collaborative writing exercises to explore the topic of change and transition. You can view deadlines, track revisions, and watch video or listen to audio. We will also have an optional 60-minute Zoom session open mic at 8:30 PM Eastern (7:30 PM Central, 6:30 PM Mountain, 5:30 PM Pacific) on Thursday, October 12th (the session will be recorded just for class participants).

Students should plan to spend 3–4 hours per week on the class. The class will be formatted in a way that is flexible for working when you can and resting when you need. At the end of the class, each student will receive an email that contains an archive of all their content and interactions.

About the Teacher

Angie Ebba is a queer disabled writer, educator, and performer who has taught writing workshops and performed across the United States. She has poetry published in Closet Cases, Queering Sexual Violence, and several literary magazines. She's also a published essayist with a focus on writing about health and disability, body positivity, and relationships. Angie teaches poetry and writing online and in person. Angie believes strongly in the power of words to help us gain a better understanding of ourselves, to build connections and community, and to make personal and social change. Angie can be found online at rebelonpage.com.

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