Are you a writer? Perhaps just snippets of captured visions on the backs of restaurant napkins? Or is there an entire 200-page novel sitting in your Google Docs? Either way, or somewhere in between, we have a seat for you at the SoFA!
SET UP
Chow Chat (15-20 minutes)
Who would ever sit on the sofa without some goodies to snack on? No one. That’s why the literature salon for SoFA will have baked treats, free for everyone to eat! And if you want a say in your dessert options, go visit our Instagram for the poll (I’m hoping the mini pies win).
Writers are good with words— on paper. But sometimes it can be hard to meet other like-minded individuals when conversations don’t have first and second drafts. We want everyone who sits at the SoFA to be relaxed, and you can’t do that on an empty stomach. Now is the time to get to know the people around you, and get some food!
Creative Circle (30 minutes)
Now that you’ve become familiar with the people you sit with, it’s time to push those square cushions into a circle and get creative! With our host guiding the conversation around literature using quick sketch prompts and conversation topics, this is the time to hold fast to those fleeting visions we so often dismiss. Use this moment to get/give critiques and praises, pitch new concepts, present, and perhaps even find another creative to collaborate with!
Topic conversations will pivot from the “real crazy” to the “crazy real” in Literature— think Bunny by Mona Awad and Animal Farm by George Orwell
Artist Talk (20 minutes)
Guest Artist: Jeff VanderMeer
Talking about: His top ten secrets to writing— and how to get more out it.
VanderMeer is a nationally acclaimed, nebula award-winning American author known for his contributions to the science fiction, fantasy, and “New Weird" genres. His works often blend ecological themes, surreal landscapes, and intricate storytelling, making him a captivating figure in contemporary speculative fiction.
With a unique and imaginative writing style, VanderMeer has garnered widespread recognition for his Southern Reach Trilogy, particularly the first book, "Annihilation," which was adapted into a successful film- starring NATALIE PORTMAN.
Q&A: Each presentation will be followed by a brief Q&A to open the dialogue between novices and established artists in the field.
Wonder Workshop (25-35 minutes)
The last portion of the Salon is dedicated to those who would like to flesh out their work and receive live feedback from seasoned editors of Kudzu Review, the official undergraduate magazine of Florida State University. This Written Arts Editor for this workshop will be Aidan Little.
As we will learn from the Artist Talk, even established writers often find that their work is never truly done. Revision and editing is something that can go on forever if done alone, and working yourself into a rabbit hole by trying to piece the missing link between paragraphs isn’t going to get you any step closer to being published. So give someone else a look, we’d be happy to read. And who knows, we might suggest something you’d never even think of, unless you were with us— at the SoFA!