When we write memoirs, essays, or even fictional stories, we are likely to find ourselves depicting those who have had the most influence in our lives—our family members. To understand the self, we must understand them. Take a look at a shelf of memoirs, and you will see just how vital those relationships are—in Vivian Gornick’s Fierce Attachments or Alison Bechdel’s Fun Home or Michael Ondaatje’s Running in the Family. However, writing about family is risky, and there are legendary stories of family members who stopped speaking after a book was published. As a result, we don’t want to get it wrong, even if fictionalizing. During this craft presentation, we will consider how other authors have handled writing about mothers, fathers, spouses, and children. Using writing prompts, we will identify key relationships that might lend themselves to powerful narratives, discussing how we can write freely and honestly while honoring those we care about. Writers in all genres are welcome, since all have been formed by family.
Tim will accept up to 7 manuscripts up to 10 pages each. See Manuscripts/Contests for guidelines.
TIM BASCOM is author of seven nonfiction and fiction books, including the recent prize-winning story collection Continental Drift and an essay collection titled The Boundless Game, which celebrates how soccer brings the world together cross-culturally. His essays have been selected for the anthologies Best Creative Nonfiction and Best American Travel Writing, receiving editor prizes from The Missouri Review and Florida Review. His short fiction has appeared in journals such as Zone 3, Front Range Review, and Flint Hills Review. Bascom received his MFA from the University of Iowa and taught college creative writing before serving as Executive Director for the Kansas Book Festival.
