Writing Workout

Writing Workout is a class for beginner, advanced, and even published writers. Based on the idea that some writers' greatest barrier to writing is the simple inability to sit down and actually write, this class will create the focus and structure that many people need to get started. In Writing Workout, the instructor will take you through writing exercises, motivating you in the same way as a fitness trainer who coaches a workout. Each class will have a different set of intensive exercises that can be applied to fiction, non-fiction, and memoir writing. Subjects will range from creating vivid setting to exploring family stories, and everything in between.

Jessica Anya Blau's novel THE SUMMER OF NAKED SWIM PARTIES, was chosen as a Best Summer Book by the Today Show, the New York Post and New York Magazine. The San Francisco Chronicle, along with other major newspapers, chose THE SUMMER OF NAKED SWIM PARTIES as a Best Book of 2008. She is a graduate of The University of California, Berkeley, and Johns Hopkins University where she attended The Writing Seminars.

Thursdays, 7-9 pm, October 8 - November 12. Cost TBD, perhaps $140

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Poem as Sound: Creating, Editing and Distributing Texts in Audio Format

Traditionally, we think of texts as static objects relegated to the pages of books. In the digital age, it is necessary to give life to your words? with your own voice. In this class, you will learn audio recording techniques using analog and digital equipment; scouting and manipulating environments according to your aesthetic needs; editing sound for clarity and saving files for large projects; assessing best methods and platforms for distribution and performance. Along with these technical details, you will also be training your ears and voice for best practice and quality of performance, and arranging your poems for recording. At the end of the semester, you will conceptualize, design and create an anthology of recorded readings.

There are no particular supplies students need for this class? just poems or other texts. I will manage the recording and editing techniques, but the class as a whole will work together as a studio team, and we will do all the work live and collaboratively. I will, though, supply a suggested materials announcement, for those who wish to further their studies on their own. Students can buy sound recording equipment and editing software if they wish, during or after classwork.

Tuesdays, October 6, 13, 20, 27 November 3, 10, 17, 24 6:30 pm? 8:30 pm

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Guerilla Publishing and Distribution: Self-Publishing, DIY Ethics and Material Repurposing

The claim that self-publishing is a self-indulgent trade fails to take into consideration the massive commoditization and privileging of popular literature by massive publishing houses. Ultimately, this myth has generated negative connotations for DIY (Do It Yourself) ethics. In this class, you will take steps to overcome these myths by discussing the relationship between purpose, aesthetic and economy; recycle used materials and repurpose them to suit your needs (both practical and aesthetic) ; learn layout design and editing techniques; learn how to prepare materials for pressing, publishing and binding; and learn practical and economic distribution techniques. At the end of the semester, you will have created at least one of each: a repurposed journal, a zine or chapbook (w/ content), a conceptual book.

Materials: I will be supplying all paper (depending upon the size of our projects, we'll use standard letter, legal and oversized recycled paper). If the student chooses to use a particular kind of paper, then he or she must provide their own. I will also supply a paper cutter (guillotine) and saddle stapler.

The student must supply the following:

• Book Binding Supplies
• Heavy-Duty Awl
• Wax Thread
• Book Binding Needles
• Bone Folder
• Ruler
• Book Binder's Glue
• (1) Small and (1) Medium paintbrush
• Scissors
• Notebook (ruled or sketch)
• Toolbox for supplies

Optional Supplies

• X-acto knives

Thursdays, October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 November 5, 12 and 19 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

Christophe Cassamassima is a poet, editor of Furniture Press, and program director for literary arts with the Towson Arts Collective.