This 4-week course for poets and fiction writers is aimed at helping you figure out what triggers your specific artistry. One of the great struggles we face as writers is how to find inspiration consistently. Some writers need silence and their journals; some writers need to give themselves formal prompts; still others need external objects to respond to, such as paintings or music. This course will expose you to different generative channels, so that you can demystify what works for you. Just as important, we will share work and discuss each channel we try. You won't just be experimenting in a void but in a shared space where you can discuss and process what seems to work well for you. By the end of the class, you will have a reliable toolkit of triggers for inspired writing.
This class is for those who write poetry and fiction. Writers we will look at include Bernadette Mayer, Anne Carson, Louise Gluck, Donna Tartt, Zadie Smith, Gwendolyn Brooks, Aisha Sabatini Sloan. Some triggers we will explore include music, visual art, journaling, and environmental writing.
Nathaniel Rosenthalis is the author of three books of poetry, including Works and Days (Broken Sleep Books) and The Leniad (Broken Sleep Books). He teaches writing at NYU. Also an actor and singer, he is a member of Actors Enquiry and works in musical theater in NYC.
"Nathaniel completely demystified the elusive prose poem for me! Not only did he cover a wide range of examples with close readings, but he provided accessible prompts to get us into a first draft of our own. He also gave us creative tools to use in our practice, making the process fun instead of daunting. I came away from his class with much possibility and excitement!"
"Nathaniel gave me generous feedback, which has given me incredible direction for where to go with my piece. Thank you!"
