Writing Trauma

WRITING 721.6E

Learn to write about traumatic experiences in this introductory lecture for writers of all experience levels.

What you can learn.

Respond to writing prompts, live exercises, and reflections that help you contend with difficult memories
Broaden your approach to writing about lived experiences
Discuss the role of trauma in writing and how it can be employed to craft compelling, meaningful stories
Review published works by master writers whose works invite deeper understanding of traumatic events and experiences

About this course:

Writing about trauma allows us to process and give voice to our most challenging experiences, fostering healing and personal growth through creative expression. In this class, we’ll engage in writing prompts, live exercises, discussions, and reflections. Given the sensitive nature of writing about trauma, sharing your work with the class is optional, though there will be space and time for those who wish to do so. We’ll explore prompts that align with various methods for writing trauma, broadening our approaches. We’ll also review short examples from authors such as Elissa Washuta, Jeanne Thornton, Joan Didion, Claudia Rankine, and Wren Hanks.