The Same Story Twelve Ways - Retellings at the Typewriter
An evening of writing on manual typewriters. Unplug, sit down at a machine, and write something new. Machines and paper are on the table, and you don’t need to be a writer or own a typewriter.
This month’s theme is on variation.
Retelling is one of the oldest and most foundational writing exercises there is.
Back in ancient Greece students were drilled on retelling fables and expanding famous sayings. Erasmus wrote 150 versions of one sentence, and in 1947 Raymond Queneau showed the world how satisfying it could be to describe one dull bus ride ninety-nine ways.
What we'll do
Everyone starts with a short tale. Bring your own or use one of the starters.
You get some suggestions for how to spur it in a different direction, or run with your own.
Why?
What should writers do now that AI makes output cheap? A machine can retell a story in any style you like, can't it?
This is about homing in on the part that was always the point, which is doing it. Put your hands on the keys and feel your way through the creative process from start to finish.
8:00 - Arrive, get a drink. Quick intro to the machines for anyone who hasn't used one before.
8:15 - Warm up: remixing sentences.
8:40 - Short break.
8:55 - Rewrite a piece to become something new.
9:20 - Share.
9:30 - Another round.
9:45 - Share, hang out, type more.
You don't need to be a writer, and you don't need to know how to use a typewriter. Machines and paper are provided. Come and have fun.
Good to know
Drinks are available at Fortune Teller. Food trucks are parked right outside.
Parking. Free lot on the property and along the street.
There's a limited number of seats available. RSVP early if you'd like to come.