Pamenar Press Presents
Writing About Illness and Disability
with Jacob Scheier
In this eight-week writing workshop we will be writing poetry and personal narrative (prose) exploring illness and disability. Through close reading, discussion of literary devices and workshop writing exercises and assignments, participants will work towards making their experiences of illness and disability speak to others in an evocative and possibly provocative way. Subject matter is not limited to physical illness and/or disability, but includes mental health issues—as you identify them, (including, but certainly not limited to trauma). There is, in fact, no limitation on what “counts” as illness or disability. This course is inclusive and embraces diversity: people of color, indigenous peoples, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and people of all backgrounds are welcomed and encouraged to be participants. No prior creative writing experience is needed to take this course. Novice writers are encouraged to take part.
Thursdays 6:30-9 pm February 13-April 2
401 Richmond Street West, Room 401 (wheelchair access; automated entry; wheelchair accessible bathrooms)
$300.00 (sliding scale available for those in financial need)
To register or if you have any questions please contact: [email protected].
for more information about the press go to pamenarpress.com
Testimonials from participants in Writing About Illness And Disability fall workshop:
“Jacob created an atmosphere that made me feel safe and comfortable to share my work. His feedback was invaluable. The workshop was both informative and productive.”
“Jacob’s class, Writing about Disability, truly helped me to write about difficult and embarrassing experiences I didn’t think I had words for. The readings had substance and the assignments were varied enough to allow for experimentation and discovery. But more than these, he is an instructor with enough heart and patience to get you all the way there.”
Jacob Scheier is a Governor General’s Award-winning poet. He is the author of two poetry collections with ECW Press: More to Keep us Warm(2007) and Letter from Brooklyn(2013). He is also the author of the nonfiction of ebook My Never-Ending Acid Trip(2013) published by The Toronto Star. For several years Jacob has facilitated creative writing workshops, including the course Writing About Grief, which he has taught at Ryerson University’s Chang School of Continuing Education and with indigenous communities in the Yukon and Ontario—amongst many other places and communities. Writing About Grief was inspired by Jacob’s experience being a peer-facilitator of support groups for bereaved young adults. Similarly, Writing About Illness and Disability comes out of Jacob’s personal experience and creative writing. Jacob also has an academic background in Disability Studies. To learn more go to jacobscheier.org