{"title":"Creative Writing Classes Taught by Shonda Buchanan","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eInstructor Shonda Buchanan is a PEN Emerging Voices Fellow and PEN America Mentor. An Associate Professor in the Department of English at Western Michigan University and Alma College's MFA Program in Creative Writing, Shonda is editor of two poetry anthologies, author of three collections of poetry, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Lost Songs of Nina Simone, Who's Afraid of Black Indians?, Equipoise: Poems from Goddess Country\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, as well as the award-winning memoir, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eBlack Indian\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, chosen by PBS NewsHour as a \"Top 20 books to read to learn about institutional racism.\" Shonda has published in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Mississippi Review, TAB Journal, the Los Angeles Times, the LA Weekly, LA Times Magazine, AWP's The Writer's Chronicle, Indian Country Today, Red Ink Journal, LA Parents Magazine\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and freelanced for \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe International Review of African American Art, Westways, the Los Angeles Review of Books, the Daily Press and Sisters of AARP\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Shonda's forthcoming essay collection, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eChildren of the Mixed Blood Trail\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, explores mixed-race migration in North America. A descendant of the African Mende nation of Sierra Leone, and in North America, the Coharie, Choctaw and Eastern Band Cherokee, and Europeans, Shonda writes on Chumash\/Tongva lands in Los Angeles and in the Midwest on Ojibwe\/Anishinaabe, Ottawa and Potawatomi lands. Shonda has taught creative writing, research and BIPOC\/American literature for the past 27 years.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"funny-thing-about-memory-memoir-writing-workshop-online-june-2026","title":"The Funny Thing About Memory: A 5-Week Memoir Writing Workshop with Shonda Buchanan starts on Saturday, June 6th, 2026","description":"\u003cdiv id=\"block-62b681ac90b953325c64\" data-block-type=\"2\" class=\"sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eBegins Saturday, June 6, 2026\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eClass will meet weekly via Google Meet on Saturdays, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM ET\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e🌍 \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClass Times by Time Zone:\u003c\/strong\u003e Los Angeles (PDT): 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM \/ Chicago (CDT): 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM \/ New York (EDT): 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM \/ London (BST): 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM \/ Berlin (CEST): 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003eNow Enrolling! Any questions about this class? Use the Chat Button to talk with us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInstructor Bio\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eInstructor Shonda Buchanan is a PEN Emerging Voices Fellow and PEN America Mentor. An Associate Professor in the Department of English at Western Michigan University and Alma College's MFA Program in Creative Writing, Shonda is editor of two poetry anthologies, author of three collections of poetry, \u003cem\u003eThe Lost Songs of Nina Simone, Who's Afraid of Black Indians?, Equipoise: Poems from Goddess Country\u003c\/em\u003e, as well as the award-winning memoir, \u003cem\u003eBlack Indian\u003c\/em\u003e, chosen by PBS NewsHour as a \"Top 20 books to read to learn about institutional racism.\" Shonda has published in \u003cem\u003eThe Mississippi Review, TAB Journal, the Los Angeles Times, the LA Weekly, LA Times Magazine, AWP's The Writer's Chronicle, Indian Country Today, Red Ink Journal, LA Parents Magazine\u003c\/em\u003e and freelanced for \u003cem\u003eThe International Review of African American Art, Westways, the Los Angeles Review of Books, the Daily Press and Sisters of AARP\u003c\/em\u003e. Shonda's forthcoming essay collection, \u003cem\u003eChildren of the Mixed Blood Trail\u003c\/em\u003e, explores mixed-race migration in North America. A descendant of the African Mende nation of Sierra Leone, and in North America, the Coharie, Choctaw and Eastern Band Cherokee, and Europeans, Shonda writes on Chumash\/Tongva lands in Los Angeles and in the Midwest on Ojibwe\/Anishinaabe, Ottawa and Potawatomi lands. Shonda has taught creative writing, research and BIPOC\/American literature for the past 27 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho is this class for?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThis course is for budding and intermediate memoirists interested in exploring new ways to tell their personal stories. Whether you're just beginning to shape a memoir or looking to deepen an existing project, this online writing class is open to all levels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat to expect:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eWhat happens when you want to write a memoir but you don't know how to choose the right memory? Or you don't know how to incorporate someone else's memory or are unsure how to use memory as plot? Memory is tricky, but crafting memory can be learned.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\"That's not the way I remember it.\" How many times have writers described an incident in their lives only to have that memory be challenged by friends and family members? That's the nature of the memoir beast, and this nonfiction writing workshop will help you deal with temporal transitions, accessing and recovering memory, how to use memory to propel your narratives forward, and how to craft your story in a way that leaves no doubt that it's your story.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eReading narrative nonfiction, literary and mainstream essays, and memoir excerpts, students in this online writing class will analyze the work of authors who have successfully used memory as a tool in various ways. Over six weeks, you will explore the genre in its multifaceted forms while discerning cultural perspectives such as gender, identity, and ethnicity. Instructor Buchanan will teach you to find and hone in on your story, motif, and plot points, and you will develop several chapters by the time the class ends. This creative writing workshop fosters a warm, interactive environment—feel free to munch, drink wine or sparkling water, and have a gourmet snack while you talk, craft, draft, workshop, and polish your work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat are the writing goals?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eIn this course, students will write 2–5 pages or 4–6 scenes per class to generate new material. The instructor provides verbal and written feedback every class, ensuring each writer receives guidance and support throughout the workshop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReadings\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eReadings may include excerpts from Mary Karr's \u003cem\u003eThe Art of Memoir, Crying in H Mart\u003c\/em\u003e by Michelle Zauner, \u003cem\u003eThe Liar's Club\u003c\/em\u003e by Mary Karr, \u003cem\u003eCrazy Brave\u003c\/em\u003e by Joy Harjo, and \u003cem\u003eHeavy\u003c\/em\u003e by Kiese Laymon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE OUTLINE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003eWeek 1: Introductions \/ Recovering Earliest Memories \/ Finding Your Story\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003eWeek 2: Writing Temporal Transitions and Shifts in Time \/ In the Telling\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003eWeek 3: Falsehoods and Realities We Forget to Remember\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003eWeek 4: Writing the Hard and Scary Memories\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003eWeek 5: Writing the Mother \/ Father \/ Teacher or Society Wound \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE TAKEAWAYS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eHow to choose and use memory as plot points to propel the narrative forward\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eHow to craft the memory of others, even if you weren't born\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eHow to find and use your memories to tell your authentic story\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eTechniques for navigating temporal transitions and shifts in time\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eStrategies for writing difficult, hard, and scary memories\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eDevelopment of several memoir chapters with instructor feedback\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTESTIMONIALS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\"Working in the nonfiction cohort with Shonda Buchanan allowed me to step back from chapter one of my manuscript and view it with a critical eye. As nonfiction writers, we have a unique ability to focus on the details of everyday life. Yet, this focus can also be a weakness because we are often blind to our forest while we write about the trees. Shonda guided the participants in my writing group to study how the details in our writing were effectively or ineffectively creating the bigger picture. While guiding with her adept talents as an instructor of creative writing, she offered insights from her experience as a writer of memoirs, essays, poetry, and fiction. Ms. Buchanan doesn't solely bring her wealth of artistic and intellectual talent to the creative writing table; she also shares her woman's wisdom gained from a multicultural lifestyle and extensive travel. She encourages us to read our work, the work of our group members, and to offer supportive opinions. And she, in turn, listens, meditates on what she hears, and offers much-needed, sound advice that pushes us steps further in our development as creative writers.\" — Audrey Shipp\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\"Shonda Buchanan was my workshop leader at PEN America's Emerging Voices workshop, and she is a stellar teacher and presence. It's clear that she has honed her craft over many years, and in the classroom, she skillfully lends this insight. Her marketing expertise is equally as strong as her literary knowledge, and I fully recommend her as a guiding force behind any manuscript from conception to publication.\" — Jessica\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\"As a participant in Shonda's PEN America Emerging Voices workshop, I witnessed firsthand her extraordinary ability to pinpoint themes and provide transformative solutions for any piece of writing. Her generous spirit and deep wisdom make her an invaluable mentor who truly elevates every writer she teaches.\" — Yvonne L.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eTuition is $395 USD. You can pay for the course in full or use Shop Pay or Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. Both options are available at checkout.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eInstructor: Shonda Buchanan\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eBegins Saturday, June 6, 2026\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eClass will meet weekly via Google Meet on Saturdays, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM ET\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eTuition is $395 USD.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45130259333368,"sku":"","price":395.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/ShondaBuchananHeadshot_bb70e97b-16f8-47b2-8e4f-b65bf59c4579.png?v=1772659924"},{"product_id":"cultural-heritage-poetry-writing-workshop-online-june-2026","title":"Writing Cultural Heritage Poems: a 5-Week Poetry Writing Workshop with Shonda Buchanan starts on Sunday, June 7th, 2026","description":"\u003cdiv id=\"block-62b681ac90b953325c64\" data-block-type=\"2\" class=\"sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eBegins Sunday, June 7, 2026\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eClass will meet weekly via Google Meet on Sundays, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM ET\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e🌍 \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClass Times by Time Zone: \u003c\/strong\u003eLos Angeles (PDT): 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM \/ Chicago (CDT): 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM \/ New York (EDT): 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM \/ London (BST): 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM \/ Berlin (CEST): 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003eNow Enrolling! Any questions about this class? Use the Chat Button to talk with us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInstructor Bio\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eInstructor Shonda Buchanan is a PEN Emerging Voices Fellow and PEN America Mentor. An Associate Professor in the Department of English at Western Michigan University and Alma College's MFA Program in Creative Writing, Shonda is editor of two poetry anthologies, author of three collections of poetry, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Lost Songs of Nina Simone, Who's Afraid of Black Indians?, Equipoise: Poems from Goddess Country\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, as well as the award-winning memoir, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eBlack Indian\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, chosen by PBS NewsHour as a \"Top 20 books to read to learn about institutional racism.\" Shonda has published in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Mississippi Review, TAB Journal, the Los Angeles Times, the LA Weekly, LA Times Magazine, AWP's The Writer's Chronicle, Indian Country Today, Red Ink Journal, LA Parents Magazine\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and freelanced for \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe International Review of African American Art, Westways, the Los Angeles Review of Books, the Daily Press and Sisters of AARP\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Shonda's forthcoming essay collection, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eChildren of the Mixed Blood Trail\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, explores mixed-race migration in North America. A descendant of the African Mende nation of Sierra Leone, and in North America, the Coharie, Choctaw and Eastern Band Cherokee, and Europeans, Shonda writes on Chumash\/Tongva lands in Los Angeles and in the Midwest on Ojibwe\/Anishinaabe, Ottawa and Potawatomi lands. Shonda has taught creative writing, research and BIPOC\/American literature for the past 27 years.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho is this class for?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThis course is for all writers interested in exploring new ways to write beautiful poems about family, heritage, and ethnicity. Whether you're a seasoned poet or writing your first verse, this online poetry workshop is open to all levels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat to expect:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eAfter songs, poems are one of the first ways we were taught to receive, understand, and access our culture, heritage, and inheritance. Heritage can be found in how we interact with spouses, loved ones, and society, and what we've been taught and what we teach our children. In this poetry writing workshop, students will explore the cultural heritage poems of published, award-winning poets, as well as respond to in-depth writing prompts to help find, access, recover, and harness elements of culture, heredity, and identity to write your poetry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eWe'll unpack your rituals, memories of home and neighborhoods, your religious practices and ceremonies that your family kept, or in some cases, ignored. Using the senses and sensory details, the workshop prompts will help you unearth these hidden memories or current experiences to craft, hone, and polish poems that sing of your family heritage, culture, and inheritance. This online writing class creates a supportive, generative space where your story—and your family's story—takes shape on the page.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat are the writing goals?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eIn this course, students will explore the language of cultural heritage poems and generate 6–10 poems for a chapbook or book. Students will receive both verbal and written feedback from the instructor in class.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReadings\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eStudents will be reading online excerpts of poems. Students may also purchase the text \u003cem\u003e250 Poems: A Portable Anthology\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE OUTLINE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003eWeek 1: Introductions \/ Prompts: What Makes a Cultural Heritage Poem? Where Do You Come From?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003eWeek 2: Writing Open Verse Poems \/ Uncovering Childhood Secrets\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003eWeek 3: Writing Sonnets \/ Learning Constraints and Poetic License \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003eWeek 4: Writing Language Poems \/ Writing Landscape and Memory\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003eWeek 5: Writing Healing Poems \/ Forgiving Our Trespassors\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE TAKEAWAYS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eLearn, explore, and implement the tools of poetry\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eConstruct and write cultural heritage poems in various poetic forms and styles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eExplore poetic forms and styles including open verse, sonnets, and language poems\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eProduce poems that reflect and represent you, your parents, siblings, grandparents, your blood-related or adopted family members, your town, neighborhood, city\/region, or country\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eLearn how to start crafting a book of poems\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTESTIMONIALS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\"Working in the nonfiction cohort with Shonda Buchanan allowed me to step back from chapter one of my manuscript and view it with a critical eye. As nonfiction writers, we have a unique ability to focus on the details of everyday life. Yet, this focus can also be a weakness because we are often blind to our forest while we write about the trees. Shonda guided the participants in my writing group to study how the details in our writing were effectively or ineffectively creating the bigger picture. While guiding with her adept talents as an instructor of creative writing, she offered insights from her experience as a writer of memoirs, essays, poetry, and fiction. Ms. Buchanan doesn't solely bring her wealth of artistic and intellectual talent to the creative writing table; she also shares her woman's wisdom gained from a multicultural lifestyle and extensive travel. She encourages us to read our work, the work of our group members, and to offer supportive opinions. And she, in turn, listens, meditates on what she hears, and offers much-needed, sound advice that pushes us steps further in our development as creative writers.\" — Audrey Shipp\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\"Shonda Buchanan was my workshop leader at PEN America's Emerging Voices workshop, and she is a stellar teacher and presence. It's clear that she has honed her craft over many years, and in the classroom, she skillfully lends this insight. Her marketing expertise is equally as strong as her literary knowledge, and I fully recommend her as a guiding force behind any manuscript from conception to publication.\" — Jessica\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\"As a participant in Shonda's PEN America Emerging Voices workshop, I witnessed firsthand her extraordinary ability to pinpoint themes and provide transformative solutions for any piece of writing. Her generous spirit and deep wisdom make her an invaluable mentor who truly elevates every writer she teaches.\" — Yvonne L.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eTuition is $395 USD. You can pay for the course in full or use Shop Pay or Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. Both options are available at checkout.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eInstructor: Shonda Buchanan\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eBegins Sunday, June 7, 2026\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eClass will meet weekly via Google Meet on Sundays, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM ET\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eTuition is $395 USD.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48045581009144,"sku":null,"price":395.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/ShondaBuchananHeadshot_bb70e97b-16f8-47b2-8e4f-b65bf59c4579.png?v=1772659924"}],"url":"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/en-nl\/collections\/creative-writing-classes-shonda-buchanan.oembed","provider":"Writing Workshops","version":"1.0","type":"link"}