Ellis Patterson is a Toronto writer who has spent time in Florida, North Carolina and California. Their work has appeared in publications such as YES Poetry, Minola Review, Plenitude Magazine, Sinking City Review, Humber Literary Review, South Florida Poetry Journal, and Coffin Bell Journal. Ellis was short-listed for the 2022 CRAFT short fiction prize for 'your lover smells of death'.
Ellis has an MA in early modern history from the University of Toronto.
An introduction on how to begin researching historical fiction. This includes:
- When to do research / how to do it before, during first draft, while revising
- Approaches to developing a research plan
- Tips on sources
- When to keep to strict history and when to play
Two options: general poetry or monsters in fiction.
General Workshop Overview (there will be differences, but this is what can be expected):
- Objective: Provide an introduction to writing either poetry or monsters in fiction/monstrous characters. This includes an overview of concepts relevant to the genre/mode of writing, effective techniques, traditional tropes and narratives, ideas of subversion.
- Approach: Open with a short story or poem to be read ahead of the workshop - we will discuss initial thoughts/feelings/responses to the work. Enter into a deeper dive/presentation on either poetry or monsters/monstrosity. This will provide context and history of the literature. Discussion and revisiting the short story/poem. Wrap up with writing prompts and free-write time so attendees leave with some work developed.
This can be run as a one-off or as a 4 week course. If choosing the 4 week course there will be time built in to edit current projects.
Two options: poetry or genre fiction.
Presentation would include an introductory overview of poetry or genre fiction then would be followed by prompts/in-class writing options as well as recommended reading for those interested in learning more about creative writing and publication.
