Magical Realism Writing Workshop with Author Jasper Joyner

Think Matilda, Toni Morrison’s Beloved, or the beloved book-turned-film The Princess Bride—each of these stories weaves just a touch of magic into an otherwise realistic world, a hallmark of magical realism. This class will introduce the fundamentals of this unique style, including its history and key elements. After an interactive warm-up, students will craft their own short story in the magical realism style. By the end of the class, participants will have a deeper understanding of magical realism and a completed or well-developed start to their own story. All skill levels are welcome!

Jasper Joyner is an author, poet, and teaching artist from Memphis, TN. Jasper's chapbook, A Flamboyance, with Bottlecap Press, and YA fantasy novel, Juniper Leaves, are out now. Their most recent work, PANSY: A BLACK AMERICAN MEMOIR, was voted one of PUBLISHER WEEKLY’s BookLife Best Books of 2024.

Registration opens on April 12, 2025. Make sure you check out Jasper's lecture on overcoming writer's block and personal essay workshop.