Genevieve Kaplan: Creative Writing for Book Artists

Workshop Description

During this generative writing workshop, we will brainstorm ideas, experiment with language, and tap into students’ linguistic creativity. We will consider contemporary examples of short literary works (poetry and short prose), and examine these texts from a writer’s (rather than just a reader’s) point of view. We will pay special attention to elements of craft—what these authors do, and how they do it—and use our observations to guide us in making our own creative authorial choices.

Over the course of the day, we will each draft at least three different texts for use in future book projects.

Note: This is a writing class, so we will not be making books, but I am creating this class with book artists in mind. We will generate texts with an eye toward using them in book projects, and some of the writing samples we discuss as models will incorporate visual, tactile, or interactive elements.

Materials/Equipment to be Provided by Students

• Notebook, pen/pencil, and/or laptop (for in-class writing)

See Materials Glossary for definitions and images

Materials/Equipment to be Provided by Instructor

• Handout with examples, instructions, and inspiration
• Paper to explore simple book forms and twists (as time allows)

Instructor Biography

Genevieve Kaplan (she/her) is the author of two full-length collections of poetry and numerous shorter chapbooks, including a series of erasures. Her poems and writings have been published widely. She teaches university and community workshops on creative writing, poetry, and bookmaking. Her book art, created with an emphasis on found and recycled materials, is made from easily accessible materials. Her finished works take many forms including small “pocket” books, site-specific installations, and poetry “broadsides.” Genevieve lives in southern California.

Instagram: @vievekaplan