Creative Writing for the Self

With Cypress Manning

July 9 - 14, 2023

Location: Grunewald Guild Library

What will class time be like?: Class will include drawing activities, generative writing exercises, and reading/reflecting on poetry. There will be a lot of observation writing, a focus on memory and reflection, and optional times for sharing. There will also be community-building activities.

Will I need to work outside of class?: No, all projects can be completed within the allotted class time.

What can I expect to create?: Generative work, with some revision. Each day we will do specific themes/activities that have the potential to become completed poems, short stories, or essays/lyric essays. However, this class will focus primarily on building up writing activities, a comfort level with writing practices, and refining certain techniques.

Do I need experience to take this class?: All experience levels welcome, including beginners

What do I need to bring to class?: Favorite writing utensil (if you have one)

Minimum age of participant: 16

required deposit: $200

  • Commuter – $100.00
  • Cabin – $980.00
  • Hilltop House King Private Room + Private Bath – $930.00
  • Hilltop House Queen Private Room + Shared Bath – $880.00
  • Hilltop Private Room (Full + Two Twins) + Shared Bath – $830.00
  • Private Queen Room + Shared Bath – $780.00
  • Private Twin Room + Shared Bath – $780.00
  • Shared Room + Shared Bath – $505.00
  • Yurt – $605.00
  • Library Dorm – $380.00
  • RV with Electric: 125V/30 Amp – $380.00
  • RV with Electric: 25V/20 Amp – $380.00
  • Personal Tent or Car Camping – $330.00

Is there a story you’ve been longing to write, but something has been holding you back? Maybe you aren’t a writer, there’s a boundary you’re afraid to cross in your work, or you feel stuck worrying about an audience.

This class will focus on generative self-reflection, creative risk-taking, and an environment where sharing is welcome, but not required, so we can feel comfortable stretching our own boundaries without the risk of crossing them. We will explore how writing for ourselves, and with ourselves, can give us the freedom to write without inhibitions, and create a sense of belonging in our own creative process. We will focus on place building, sensory detail, and memory to bring our inner words/worlds to the page.

About the Faculty

Cypress Manning

Cypress Manning is a queer + trans writer, artist, and educator from Taos, New Mexico. They received their MFA in Poetry from Sarah Lawrence College in 2019, and were a 2022-23 Hugo House Fellow. They are in a two-person cribbage league with their mom, and live in Seattle with their partner and cat, Riso. They […]

Learn more about Cypress Manning

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