April 6: Crafting the Concrete, Strengthening Our Stories

Join author and Collegeville Institute writing workshop facilitator Patrice Gopo for a craft discussion about the importance of bringing concrete language and details into our spiritual writing. It can be tempting—and perhaps sometimes even easier—to rely on abstractions to convey meaning in our work. However, as we give attention to developing the concrete, we strengthen the telling of our personal stories. Ultimately, we create pathways of connection between the writer and reader.

This webinar is open to all. However, it will be of particular benefit to beginning and intermediate writers. Please bring something to write with and write on. The webinar will include a writing prompt that brings our ideas and experiences into the world of sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste. Webinar handout »

Wednesday, April 6, 2022
12 – 1 PM, Central Time

Drawing on her experience as the child of Jamaican immigrants, born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska, Patrice Gopo enjoys exploring issues of race, immigration, and belonging. Her essays have appeared in a variety of publications, including Catapult, Charlotte Magazine, Creative Nonfiction, Gulf Coast, and Full Grown People. Her radio commentaries have appeared on Charlotte, North Carolina’s NPR Station WFAE 90.7, and she is the recipient of a North Carolina Arts Council Artist Fellowship. Her essay “That Autumn” was a notable in the Best American Essays 2020 and earned a City and Regional Magazine Association award for best essay, criticism, and commentary. She is the author of All the Colors We Will See, a Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers selection. Her debut picture book, All the Places We Call Home, will release in June 2022. Patrice lives with her family in North Carolina. Please visit www.patricegopo.com to learn more.