From Loss to Healing: Writing Your Own Transformation

About loss, James Joyce famously wrote, “Absence, the highest form of presence.” Absence of any kind—whether loss of a loved one, some physical ability (or facet of the physical body), a home, job, or even a cherished object—can often overwhelm us, rendering us silent. But as writers, we have tools at our disposal with which we can approach these empty spaces—and the empty page. Instructor Kerry Muir says, "Together, we'll cover strategies to remain present, bear witness to the moment, and reclaim the expressive voice."

In this 5-week class, through a series of in-class exercises and optional take-home assignments, students will write about many types of loss and absence. We’ll look at selected readings from authors who deal with absence such as Lilly Dancyger, WG Sebald, and Elizabeth Alexander. As wordsmiths, we’ll use language, setting, character, voice, metaphor, as well as negative space on the page, to move toward transformation and healing.

All levels, all genres welcome.

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.