Attendance at 2018 Power of Narrative Conference

Grant:

Lecturers' Professional Development Fund (LPDF)

Academic Year:

2017 - 2018 (June 1, 2017 through May 31, 2018)

Funding Requested:

$1,380.00

Project Dates:

Fri, 03/23/2018 - Sun, 03/25/2018

Applicant(s):

rosegran

Overview of the Project:

I’m requesting an LPDF grant in order to attend the 2018 Power of Narrative Conference, to be held in Boston, March 23-25, 2018. This conference, first held in 1998, brings together writers, publishers, and educators who are committed to learning about, producing, and teaching exemplary work in narrative journalism and creative non-fiction. The combination of renowned speakers, participatory workshops, and opportunities to interact with other writing professionals creates an ideal and potent situation for learning. My previous experience with the conference has helped me to keep current with developments in the genre, contributed to my own narrative writing, and made me a stronger teacher; the benefits to my students are clear and immediate. I would greatly appreciate the funding from CRLT that would make it possible for me to attend next spring.

Final Report Fields

Project Objectives:

The annual Power of Narrative Conference is the top gathering place for writers of narrative non-fiction, regardless of the genre. My goals were to attend presentations and network with fellow journalists, writers, and teachers, and, in the process, to update my knowledge of cutting edge podcasts, online sources for long form journalism, and authors who are pushing narrative non-fiction in new directions.

Project Achievements:

Attending the conference has had an immediate impact on the two non-fiction classes I teach--Narrative Journalism and Memoir Writing--as well as on the one-on-one writing tutorials I offer to creative writing students. It's critical to stay current in what is a fast-evolving field; increasingly, UM is adding courses that address these kinds of non-fiction writing. I was able to incorporate new works into my teaching, such as Ear Hustle, a podcast out of San Quentin Prison, and the memoirs of Roxanne Gay, a keynote speaker who offered expert advice.

Continuation:

Yes, in the sense that I'm using material gained in ongoing courses.

Dissemination:

I'm the Head of the Residential College's First-Year Seminar Program, which oversees the RC's version of the FYWR. We hold at least three program meetings during the academic year, and I've been able to share new ideas about teaching non-fiction, names of authors and podcasts, specific narrative articles, and strategies for encouraging students to read beyond their immediate comfort zones.

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