Evento

Storytelling is Neat, Life is Sloppy

Whether you write fiction or memoir, the literary experience promises closure to readers. That is to say, storytelling must, in some way, seem to conclude. However, all of us know that in our lives, events and people seldom make perfect sense. We share the sure knowledge that life is a mess, filled with contradictions, coincidences, and multiple streams of events, and that Art allows us to perceive order where there may be none. In the space between the Chaos of life and the Order of art, the writer practices literary art. Indeed, it is likely that many of us practice our art precisely because of our need to make sense of what seems insensible. Every writer needs to ask herself how she can create an illusion of life for her characters or memories, when all the time she knows that to be "lifelike" truly means being chaotic. What are the strategies that cast the illusion? Which will work for you and the story you want to tell? How can you make your work neat, compelling, and lifelike? This talk will include writing exercises, questions, group interaction, and far-ranging discussion. Come prepared to share your insights and learn from others!