Join us for a generative writing workshop against censorship!

What is the role of the writer in an era of increased censorship, where the chilling of speech is a central tactic to suppress dissent, freedom, and social justice? Inspired by BELONG by Gianna Stewart this accessible, generative writing workshop invites you to "take back" one or more words on PEN America's "Banned Word List" and say exactly what it means to you. Whether in poetry or prose, you'll explore the associations, images, and personal definitions you have for words the powerful want to erase. Led by Tyler Barton, the workshop will include short readings of powerful works of literature that reclaim language, as well as prompts to get you thinking and your pen moving.

This event is organized in partnership with Writers & Books.

Read more about BELONG, our new public artwork, HERE

ABOUT THE WORKSHOP LEADER

Tyler Barton is the Artistic Director of Writers & Books and the author of Eternal Night at the Nature Museum and The Quiet Part Loud. He has taught writing to children, high schoolers, college kids, library patrons, incarcerated individuals, nursing home residents, and new immigrants. He directs the Joe Flaherty Legacy Writing Workshops for Writers & Books and co-founded Fear No Lit with the artist Erin Dorney. Learn more at tsbarton.com.

ABOUT OUR PARTNER

Writers & Books promotes reading and writing as lifelong activities for people of all ages and backgrounds to enrich their lives and the intellectual, social, and cultural vibrancy of their communities. Learn more at writersandbooks.org