So It Goes: Kurt Vonnegut, the Absurd, & Writing Through Hard Times

​The world feels incredibly dark right now. But as Kurt Vonnegut once said: “Yes, this planet is in a terrible mess. But it has always been a mess. There have never been any ‘Good Old Days.’ There have just been days.”

​Throughout history, humans have turned to art—music, poetry, dance, storytelling—to survive hard times. We often write from pain, and that matters, but so does laughter and finding a way to look at the mess of humanity and say: yes, this is terrible and somehow, still funny.

​Writers like Mark Twain, Joseph Heller, and especially Kurt Vonnegut have helped generations navigate darkness through humor, tenderness, and radical honesty. In this generative writing workshop, we’ll read short excerpts from Vonnegut, explore how absurdity works on the page, and practice writing toward humor even in the hardest circumstances.

​There will be time to write, and optional time to share. This space is for anyone, both writers and non-writers, who feels overwhelmed, angry, grieving, or tired and wants a place to breathe, laugh, and make something together.

​This workshop is also a fundraiser for the Immigrant Defense Network, which brings together more than 100 organizations, leaders, and community members committed to defending immigrant rights and building long-term, systemic change in Minnesota. 50% of all proceeds from this event will be donated directly to their work.

​Let’s spend some time finding humor in community. So it goes.

​*Recording will be sent out to everyone registered after the event.