Writing the Self: Feminism, Identity, and Personal Narrative

This two-session intensive workshop invites participants to explore the intersections of womanhood, identity, and personal history. Inspired by Stockton’s Too Much of Nothing, which traces the arc of her life through vignettes of her mother’s history, her own marriage and academic endeavors. In this workshop, writers will examine how larger historical, cultural, and domestic forces shape their stories.

Participants will leave with drafted vignettes and a deeper understanding of how to mine their lives for compelling creative nonfiction.

Session 1: The Personal as Historical

• Focus: Identifying the historical, generational, and cultural context of your life.

• Objective: Participants will explore how their personal lineage and early environments inform their adult identities.

• Discussion: We will analyze excerpts from Stockton’s memoir, focusing on how she frames her personal story within the broader shadow of history and her Jewish heritage.

• Writing Prompt: The Mosaic of Origin. Write a vignette that centers on a specific object, a family story, or a cultural memory passed down to you. How did this shape your understanding of womanhood or survival?

• Takeaway: Crafting a narrative from the perspective of an observer of one’s own family history.

Session 2: The Radical Act of Self-Discovery

• Focus: Embodying voice, breaking out of societal scripts, and finding liberation.

• Objective: Writers will draft pieces that focus on personal awakenings, the shedding of stifling societal expectations, and the journey toward true self-authorship.

• Discussion: Examining Stockton’s process of unearthing her own voice after decades in a restrictive marriage. We will discuss the vulnerability required to write about failure, divorce, and personal emancipation.

• Writing Prompt: The Turning Point. Write a vignette capturing the moment you realized a specific societal script or expected identity no longer fit you. What did it cost to leave it behind, and what did you discover on the other side?

• Takeaway: Understanding the structure of vignette-style storytelling and owning your unapologetic narrative.

Target Audience

This workshop is ideal for women, non-binary individuals, and anyone interested in writing personal essays, memoir, or creative nonfiction. It is designed to welcome both beginning writers and experienced authors seeking a structured space to tackle themes of identity and feminism.

Materials Required

• Copies or excerpts of Carla Stockton’s Too Much of Nothing

• Notebooks and laptops for drafting