For Real? Truth in Fiction
Tuesdays, July 8-29
Reading Group
$150
$125
Beginning writers are told to “write what you know.” But Albert Camus has called fiction “the lie through which we tell the truth.” What is the role of truth in contemporary fiction? What do we expect from fiction which is inspired by real people or actual events? How do authors weave facts with imagination? And what to make of autofiction, the popular trend that merges autobiography and the novel? We’ll read short fiction by Yiyun Li, Lucia Berlin, Curtis Sittenfeld, Annie Ernaux, Justin Torres, and Jamel Brinkley, among others, to discover the role “truth” plays in the creation of fiction. We’ll also hear from at least one guest author who merges truth with their own fiction. Though this is a reading group, twenty minutes at the end of each class will be devoted to an optional writing exercise.
This is a reading group. Designed for writers and readers alike, our reading groups analyze a single text or multiple texts. Classes meet once a week for live Zoom lectures to discuss the reading with the instructor. Reading group sessions will be recorded.
About Allison Amend:
Allison Amend is a graduate of Stanford University and the Iowa Writer’s Workshop. She is the author of the award-winning short story collection Things That Pass for Love and the novels A Nearly Perfect Copy and Stations West, which was a finalist for the 2011 Sami Rohr Prize for Jewish Literature and the Oklahoma Book Award. Her most recent book, Enchanted Islands, was on the longlist for the International Dublin Award. Allison teaches creative writing at Lehman College CUNY in New York City where in 2012 she completed a project in which she visited every single museum in the city (all 115 of them!).
Schedule
All sessions will take place on Zoom. Sessions will be recorded.
Session 1: Tuesday, July 8, 7:30-9:30pm ET
Session 2: Tuesday, July 15 , 7:30-9:30pm ET
Session 3: Tuesday, July 22, 7:30-9:30pm ET
Session 4: Tuesday, July 29, 7:30-9:30pm ET
FAQ
When can I register for this class?
Registration will is open now and will close on Monday, July 7 or when the class reaches its cap.
How does the class work?
This class meets weekly for live Zoom discussions for the duration of the course. Students will share responses to the assignments for feedback from their fellow students and the instructor on Thinkific.
Is there homework?
The class will include reading assignments.
How much time will the class take?
Live lessons run for two hours. Students will read approximately 50 pages per week.
How many students are in the class?
This class is capped at 50 students.
Can I take the class on my phone?
Yes, the class can be taken on a phone, but we recommend a computer or tablet to get the most out of the experience.
Do you offer financial aid or scholarships for this class?
Yes, we have a limited number of scholarships for the class. Scholarships cover 50% of tuition. The deadline to request a scholarship is Sunday, June 29. You can apply for one here.
Discounts & Policies
Our online classes are designed to be safe spaces for all who participate. One Story will not tolerate hate speech, bullying, or harassment directed toward instructors or fellow students, and reserves the right to remove participants who engage in such behavior from our classes.
Patron Discount: In order to qualify for our patron discount, you must be a member of our patron circle at the time of registration. Patrons commit to annual donations and receive benefits that allow them to participate in our non-profit organization in more meaningful ways. Not all One Story subscribers or supporters are patrons. If you’d like to find out more about becoming a patron, you can do so here.
Refund Policy: Students can receive full up to one week in advance of the class start date, and 50% refunds July 1-7. Class payment is non-refundable on or after the class’s start date. For questions about the refund policy, or if you are unable to take the class after you have registered, please contact maribeth@one-story.com.
If you have any questions, please contact edu.support@one-story.com.
