“I truly believe all people have stories worthy of the page,” says instructor Shelby Hinte. “The trick is identifying the best way to tell them.”
In Creative Nonfiction Workshop, students will share drafts of their own personal stories and workshop them through an inquiry-based approach that emphasizes exploration and discovery. While this class will primarily focus on workshopping student writing, each week there will also be short, in-class readings and writing prompts. These prompts will focus on two main elements of craft: form and structure. Class readings and writing exercises are intended to encourage exploration into the various ways our personal stories might take shape. We'll read authors such as Melissa Febos, Vauhini Vara, Jami Nakamura Lin, and others.
All writers will have two opportunities to share drafts of creative nonfiction pieces in an encouraging and supportive workshop environment. Maximum word count per submission is 5,000 words. Students will receive both oral and written feedback on their drafts from peers and the instructor.
Students will leave this class with a handful of generative writing leads, two workshopped drafts, and a plan for revision. Shelby will provide generous feedback on student work to encourage writing during class and beyond.
*Because of the nature of the workshop process, enrollment will be capped at 9 to ensure that ample attention is given to each writer and their work.
About The Writing Salon's Online Zoom Classes
You will be able to participate in live class meetings via Zoom videoconference. To attend classes, you'll need a phone, tablet or computer and access to the internet. You can participate in the class from wherever you'd like, whether on your living room couch or in your office. Before your class meets, you'll receive an email from The Writing Salon with more information about Zoom and your remote class. If you have any questions about remote learning, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at hello@writingsalons.com.
Shelby Hinte has led and supported writing workshops at San Francisco State University and in the community, including teaching creative writing to incarcerated adults and youth on juvenile probation. She is the Associate Editor of Write or Die Magazine where she edits essays and interviews. She has served as a reader and intern at various independent presses including ZYZZYVA, Split/Lip Press, and No Contact. Her work has been featured in BOMB, ZYZZYVA, SmokeLong Quarterly, Hobart, The Rumpus, and elsewhere. Her first novel, HOWLING WOMEN, is forthcoming from LEFTOVER Books (2025).