Word Witch: Exploring the Strange Magic of Embodiment
with Erica Anzalone
In this generative writing course led by Dr. Erica Anzalone, we will delve into the transformative power of embodiment through the archetype of the witch. Drawing inspiration from the mystical realms of the moon, the underworld, and the Tarot, the witch is arguably the one feminine archetype who, according to best-selling author Pam Grossman, “has power on its own terms. She is not defined by anyone else.” We’ll explore the many faces of the witch – whether that be crone, outsider, psychopomp, or any oppressed person seeking empowerment through enchantment.
Throughout the course, we will undergo a profound metamorphosis in our craft. Inspired by Mary Karr’s insights in “Sacred Carnality,” we will learn how to imbue our writing with the richness of sensory experience: seeing, smelling, touching, hearing, and tasting the worlds we create. As we practice this vibrant form of writing—free of the common pitfalls of abstraction and clichés—we’ll see how it grounds our narratives into tangible reality, and creates a more immersive and transformative literary journey.
We will also learn to infuse our descriptions with the strange and the uncanny. We will elevate our language beyond the ordinary, turning tired tropes into vivid, unexpected expressions that captivate. You’ll embrace the weird and wonderful, crafting narratives that defy expectations and linger in the minds of readers.
Each week, we’ll deepen our understanding of the witch archetype and its myriad manifestations. Through readings, discussions, and targeted writing prompts, we will both hone our technical skills, and cultivate a deeper connection to our unique voices. You will receive supportive and constructive feedback from me and your peers within a nurturing community.
You’ll emerge with a newfound ability to wield language with precision and enchantment, to infuse your writing with authenticity, resonance, and an enduring sense of magic.
Who This Course is For:
This class is suitable for all genres and levels of writers who are looking to develop or refine the techniques of sacred carnality (aka “show, don’t tell) and defamiliarization.
Learning and Writing Goals
Learning Goals
In this course, you will:
- Use the five senses to alchemize abstraction and create an embodied experience for the reader.
- Use defamiliarization to combat cliché and create striking language that holds readers spellbound.
Writing Goals
- Generate at least four new works or refine works-in-progress through in-class writing prompts.
Zoom Schedule
We will meet Tuesdays from 7-9 PM Eastern beginning October 29th.
Weekly Syllabus
Week One: Sacred Carnality
“Sacred Carnality” by Mary Karr
Foreword to “Literary Witches” by Pam Grossman
“The Witch” by Elizabeth Willis
We will read and discuss Mary Karr’s essay “Sacred Carnality” (aka “show, don’t tell”) with emphasis on this crucial skill of using the five senses (taste, touch, sight, hearing, and smell) to alchemize abstraction. We’ll explore Pam Grossman’s definition of a witch as well as create our own. We’ll also write our own poems using the technique of anaphora, creating an incantatory experience for readers.
Week Two: Make It Strange
“Make it strange” by Matthew Zapruder
“Witch-Wife” by Edna St. Vincent Millay
“Witch Wife” by Kiki Petrosino
“Hag, Cunning Woman, Witch” by Katheryn Nuernberger
We’ll discuss the technique of defamiliarization as explained by Matthew Zapruder in his essay “Make it strange.” We’ll examine how innovation in conversation with tradition is a form of defamiliarization in Kiki Petrosino’s “Witch Wife,” which is a response to Edna St. Vincent Millay’s “Witch-Wife.” We’ll also explore how the body is defamiliarized in all of the works or in other words, the strange magic of embodiment.
Week Three: Magic and the Moon: The Tarot as Portal
“Like the Pack Like the Pack Like Everyone” by Julie Carr (Essay with rituals inspired by Octavia Butler’s soul and teacher Tarot cards)
“When You Select the Daughter Card” by Aimee Nezhukumatahil (Corresponds to Page or Princess of Cups card)
“Spell to Find Family” by Chen Chen (corresponds to Magician card)
“When the Moon Wakes” by Federico Garcia Lorca (corresponds to the Moon card)
We’ll use our Tarot decks, whether they are physical or digital, as portals to deepening our exploration of the strange magic of embodiment. We’ll also read an essay and various poems that correspond to the Tarot, combining the techniques of sacred carnality and defamiliarization.
Week Four: Putting It All Together: The Uncanny as Portal
“Something’s Wrong in the Garden: The Uncanny in the Art of Writing” by Marjorie Sandor
“Catskin” by Kelly Link
“The Dead Girls Speak in Unison” by Danielle Pafunda
We’ll use Sandor’s essay on the uncanny as another portal into our exploration of the strange magic of embodiment. We’ll rewrite cliches as Kelly Link does in a section of “Catskin” entitled “Housecat” as a form of defamiliarization. We’ll also write in the unusual first person plural point of view like Danielle Pafunda. The body in both of these pieces is strange and magical, serving as a culmination of our work together.
$345.00Enroll Now
Student Feedback for Erica Anzalone:
Thank you, Erica, for a fabulous class! I’ve learned so much about the writing process and relished the texts. Each class has helped awaken long slumbering skills of analysis and muscles of creativity that I haven’t exercised in some time. I’m especially grateful for the workshop portion, both for my own piece and for others. I’ve always been insecure about my writing style, but these classes have really boosted my confidence and filled my well of creativity. The workshop notes I received validated my process and helped magnify paths to take next. I’m so grateful to Erica and the writing coven that is forming through these classes. Kristilyn Ink
With Erica’s mentorship, I am now attending the MFA program of my choice and have published several of my poems. She saw potential where I did not, and she pushed me out of my comfort zone by encouraging me to write creative non-fiction. She taught me to trust in my own writing and the fact that my stories are valuable on their own. I fell in love with creative non-fiction because of her.
Not only did Erica spend an ample amount of time with me (more than she had to!), she provided me with pages of written feedback that helped me revise and assistance in the publication process.
I am a much stronger, more confident writer since working with Erica, and am successfully pursuing a career in the field of creative writing. Kerri Vasilakos
Erica helped me with my applications to MFA programs in Creative Writing. With her assistance, I was accepted or waitlisted to every place I applied, and I’m now a student in my top-choice program. Throughout our work together, Erica was empathetic, challenging, and generous. She helped me to present myself with confidence and clarity. Her feedback was always specific and extensive, and I know the advice she gave me was critical to the success of my applications. I’m sure these skills transfer over to her classes together. I can’t recommend working with Erica enough! Lizzie Fox
