classes, community, writing Ethan Gilsdorf classes, community, writing Ethan Gilsdorf

Take an online writing workshop with me this winter & spring


The downside of Covid is I don't get to teach in person. The upside is that all my classes are now on Zoom or online and anyone regardless of location can be a part of my writing workshops. Here's what I'm offering this winter and spring (thus far). I hope you'll join us!


GrubStreet Seminars and Multiweek workshops: 

**Note: Due to Coronavirus, for the time being, all GrubStreet classes in Boston and Providence will be offered remotely, online, live via Zoom video conferencing. More info on how this works.

Seminars:

So You Want to Be a Writer in 2021? Section C - Remote!: Friday, February 5th, from 2:00pm-5:00pm

So You Want to Be a Writer in 2021?: Section D - Remote!: Friday, March 19th, 10:30am-1:30pm

Personal Narrative Essentials: Building Characters, Friday, February 12th, 10:00am-5:00pm

Personal Narrative Essentials: Structure and Form, Friday, February 26th, 10:00am-5:00pm

Generator Bootcamp, Friday, March 5th, 10:30am-1:30pm

Personal Narrative Essentials: Using Research and Immersion, Friday, March 12th, 10:00am-5:00pm

Personal Narrative Essentials: Finding Your Narrative Arc, Friday, March 26th, 10:00am-5:00pm

Personal Narrative Essentials: How to Publish, Friday, April 16th, 10:00am-5:00pm

 

Multi-week workshops:

Remote (Zoom) workshops:

Writing the Risky Personal Essay, 6 Thursdays, 10:30am-1:30pm, starting April 8

6 Weeks, 6 Op-Eds, Wednesdays from 10:30am-1:30pm, starting March 10th.

Online Multi-week, asynchronous workshops:

Online: 6 Weeks, 3 Essays, 6 Weeks, starting January 20th

 

In PROVIDENCE, for GrubStreet:
None at this time. Please see GrubStreet's Providence page for current info on all classes being offered in Providence. 

Other venues:

The Westerly Writers Workshop: Online Memoir classes. Westerly, RI, at the Ocean Community YMCA, Westerly-Pawcatuck Branch. Classes will be held remotely via Zoom. 

6 Wednesdays, 6:00pm-9:00pm

Session 1: January 27 – March 3. Register here.

Session 2: May 19 – June 23. ;Registration info TBA.

Stay tuned for Summer 2021 sessions TBA soon.

 

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community, culture, society Ethan Gilsdorf community, culture, society Ethan Gilsdorf

The Best Cure For Fear? Maybe, A Little More Trust:

Perhaps at no other time in American history — at least since the Red Scare and the rise of McCarthyism — have we been more skeptical of our fellow citizens. While our inclination might be to circle the wagons and become more suspicious than ever, there is another way to combat this proclivity towards wariness. But how? With more openness, not less.

The Best Cure For Fear? Maybe, A Little More Trust

In the wake of terrorist acts, or school shootings, or other horrific acts of violence, we feel duped. How could we have missed the signs? Or have been susceptible? We remind ourselves to be vigilant. Be suspicious. If you see something, say something. In other words, mistrust thy neighbor. We look at people differently. Everyone becomes a potential enemy. We ask ourselves, how well do we know the people who live next door? What do we really think of our children’s teachers or day care workers?

I admit that after the Boston Marathon bombings, even I began to look at my neighbors with more apprehension. I didn’t like this fact. But there it was.

Perhaps at no other time in American history — at least since the Red Scare and the rise of McCarthyism — have we been more skeptical of our fellow citizens. While our inclination might be to circle the wagons and become more suspicious than ever, there is another way to combat this proclivity towards wariness.

But how?

With more openness, not less.

It may seem counterintuitive — but it’s actually quite logical. After all, many of these deplorable acts of violence arise because perpetrators feel disconnected. Their social networks decay. They develop anti-social and extremist views. When people detach, bad things are more likely to happen.

I’ve been thinking of some simple steps that, at least for me, help me feel more confident and connected. Call it intentional faith. Or, radical trust.

My five-step plan:

 

Read the rest of my essay for NPR's/WBUR's Cognoscenti

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