Far More than Simple Retellings with Melissa Marr

From fairy tales to memes, story templates have been the backbone of storytelling across cultures and genres. Whether drawing from Jack Zipes' exploration of memetics or the Aarne-Thompson tale type index, understanding the familiar patterns of story can be a valuable part of the writer’s toolkit in helping audiences connect with your stories. But how can you use these classic structures in fresh and exciting ways that avoid falling into cliche?

This class will explore:

- How story templates have been used over time, from folklore to modern fiction. 

- Ways to work with established frameworks to make them your own. 

- How to uncover hidden layers and unexpected twists within familiar patterns  

This hands-on session will combine a detailed visual presentation, short exercises, and lots of time for discussion. No advanced reading is required—just bring your curiosity and a willingness to explore.  

This class meets online for a single session on February 2nd from 1-3 pm Pacific.

Though this session is lecture-based, attendees may be asked to participate via chat, voice, and/or video.

About the Instructor: 

Melissa Marr writes for adults, teens, and children. Her novels & picture books have won awards, been translated into 28 languages, and been bestsellers in the NY Times, LA Times, USA Today, etc. She is probably best known for the Wicked Lovely series. Her recent photography book was selected for inclusion Dolly Parton's Imagination Library (providing free books to children), and her current releases include a graphic novel, The Strange Case of Harleen & Harley (D.C. Comics), a picturebook, Family is Family (Penguin), and a duet of fantasy novels (Tor/Bramble). Previously, she taught university lit and gender studies, worked an archaeology dig, and taught historical sword fighting. Sometimes she teaches in an M.F.A. program. Melissa can be found in her kayak or roaming with her partner (Amber) and kids. 

Website

This event will be held in Zoom. By registering for this class, you agree to follow the Clarion West Code of Conduct and Zoom policies. 

Limited Free Seating: 

We offer a percentage of seats in every class to People of the Global Majority (Asian, Black, African, Latina/o/x, Middle Eastern, Indigenous, Pacific Islander, and/or have been racialized as 'ethnic minorities') for free, regardless of financial need. 

Eligible folks should complete this form to enter the lottery for free seats.  If a seat is available, we will email you 7-10 days before the class begins. For more information, see our equity and inclusion policies.

Sliding Scale Pricing:

The Supporting Tuition rate is shown for each class or workshop for folks who can pay it. Paying the Supporting Tuition rate enables us to continue to pay our staff and instructors equitably, as well as support access to classes for others who may be in a different situation. 

The Helping Hands rate is available to folks under more limited economic circumstances, no matter your background.

For more information, see our financial aid policies.

Our Refund Policy:

Clarion West will refund all class fees if the request is made 30 days before the class date. Refund requests made within 30 days of the class will be honored if we can fill the seat.

Any exceptions are subject to approval by our workshop staff.