In this workshop, Steve will take us through the basics of creative non-fiction. He’ll describe the combination of journaling, research, and interviews that leads to rich content. And he’ll emphasize the key elements of strong writing and self-editing. As writing teacher Paula LaRocque says, his goal is to make your writing “clear, brief, precise, purposeful, warm, and interesting.” Participants will engage a couple brief writing exercises and have an opportunity to share their words with fellow writers in the workshop, as well as leave the workshop with additional prompts to keep you writing.
Steve has been writing about southern Utah redrock country for more than forty years. He has taught writing at the University of Utah, and his most recent book (his 25th) is The Capitol Reef Reader. He serves on the board of Grand Staircase Escalante Partners. For more, see
www.stephentrimble.net
After the workshop,
Grand Staircase Escalante Partners will host a writing contest. The prompt: “What does Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument mean?” Your answer, in a 700-word essay, can explore your personal passion for the place—what does the monument mean to you? Or perhaps you’ll choose to write about the value of public lands; the political controversy swirling around the monument that gives it national significance; or the land’s importance to Native people. Really, anything can work that makes Grand Staircase meaningful to you or to the world. We’ll have a special award for the best work from a writer 22 years and younger.
