Explore the stories shaped by borders, and the identities that rise from them
Discover the power of storytelling to map the borders we cross and the identities we claim. Each week, participants will read and discuss short creative works that explore migration, place, and belonging, followed by guided writing exercises designed to spark personal narrative, poetry, and hybrid experimentation. The workshop will blend group discussion, generative prompts, and peer feedback to create a supportive and imaginative writing space. By the end of the course, participants will have crafted a small portfolio of original pieces reflecting on borders—both real and metaphorical—and the identities that shape their voice. Please bring a notebook or device to write on, and be ready to share a short introduction and a place or memory that feels important to your identity for the first session.
Live video conference: This workshop will be held via our online video conferencing platform, Zoom. You can view brief tutorials on using the platform here. On the start date or the day before, participants will receive an email with login info (please check your spam if you don’t see it).
In this workshop you’ll learn:
- Personal Narrative Techniques – Crafting compelling stories drawn from lived experience
- Imagery & Concrete Detail – Using sensory language to bring place and memory to life
- Voice & Point of View – Exploring how identity shapes narrative voice
- Hybrid & Cross-Genre Experimentation – Blending poetry, prose, and nonfiction forms
- Reflective & Thematic Cohesion – Weaving identity, migration, and belonging into unified pieces
Time requirements
- 2 hours before the session
Materials
- All reading materials will be provided.
Who should take this workshop?
- This workshop is designed for emerging and experienced writers interested in exploring personal narrative, place, migration, and identity through creative writing. Whether you’re new to writing or looking to deepen work rooted in lived experience, this course offers a supportive space to experiment across genres and develop your voice.
If you need an accommodation for this workshop, please contact us at access@writer.org. We will attempt to fulfill all requests, but advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility services.