What if the act of writing felt like freedom?

What if the truths you carry—messy, complex, and beautiful—could flow onto the page without you worrying about the “right” way to tell your story?

Welcome to the lyric essay, a form that invites experimentation, defies convention, and makes space for radical truth-telling.

Freedom on the Page: Writing Lyric Essays for Radical Black Truth-Telling is a class for writers ready to claim that freedom. The lyric essay breaks away from traditional storytelling, allowing you to weave together fragments, images, and unexpected structures to capture the fullness of your voice and experience. There is no better genre suited to amplify the complexities of Black identity and history.

Together, we’ll explore works by writers like Jamaica Kincaid, Audre Lorde, and Claudia Rankine whose essays challenge the rules and open new possibilities for storytelling. Through guided writing prompts and discussion, you’ll experiment with tools like collage, fragmentation, and hermit crab structures, discovering how to shape your stories in ways that feel true to you.

By the end of the class, you’ll have new writing and a deeper connection to your voice. Most importantly, you’ll leave knowing that the page can be a space for your freedom, your truth, and your power.

Come ready to write boldly, break the rules, and embrace freedom on the page.

All class meetings will be held via Zoom. The link to join your Zoom classroom will be provided on the morning of your class. Please check spam folders if you do not receive an email confirmation upon registration. For more information on how to download or use Zoom, please click here.

Meet Your Instructor:
Alexis M. Wright

Alexis M. Wright holds an MFA in Creative Writing (Nonfiction) from the University of San Francisco and her essays have been published in The Common, The Maine Review, Shenandoah, and Black Lawrence Press. Her lyric essay, “Which One is the Lifeline?”, was a notable mention in Best American Essays 2023. With over 15 years of teaching experience, Alexis creates an inclusive, dynamic learning environment that encourages students to explore the intersections of personal and collective narratives. She is particularly well-suited to work with writers who are navigating complex identities or seeking to integrate personal experiences with broader cultural and historical contexts. Through a blend of supportive guidance and contemporary craft exploration, Alexis aims to empower students to find and refine their unique stories.

Course Takeaways

• Discover how the lyric essay can give you creative freedom
• Experiment with techniques like collage, fragmentation, and hermit crab structures
• Draft a new writing or develop fresh ideas for a work in progress
• Gain inspiration from Black women writers who have redefined the form.
• Connect with a supportive community of Black women writers.

Course Expectations

• Students will be required to read two short lyric essays before each session
• Participate in creative prompts during class
• Share your work (if comfortable) for feedback in a supportive environment.

Course Skeleton

• Session One: Freedom in Form – Explore the lyric essay’s possibilities through inspiring readings and creative exercises
• Session Two: Writing Boldly – Shape your own lyric essay with prompts and feedback designed to help you claim the page as your space for freedom and truth

We offer full refunds for cancellation with written notice up until 7 days before your class start date. From 6 days to more than 24 hours before class begins, we offer a 50% refund. If you drop a class less than 24 hours before the class begins or after it has started, you are ineligible for a refund.