Barrelhouse is launching two new programs designed to help writers and the literary community remain connected in the age of social distancing: the Read-In and the Write-In are free, online, community-focused programs that will provide a virtual space for readers and writers to continue to gather and practice writing and reading.
What is the Read In?
The Read-In is kind of an online book group, an virtual reading group that could if not take the place of the readings and in-person book groups we normally attend, then might, at the very least, give us some solace in these strange times. The Read-In will be led by Barrelhouse Editor and George Mason University professor Joe Kiliany, who will get the group started using some shorter texts available online and will provide discussion questions, focusing particularly on areas of craft.
What is the Write-In?
The Write-In is an online workshop that will be led by guest writers and editors speaking on a particular topic. Twice a week, a different leader will provide an online talk/lecture on a specific element of craft and/or a writing exercise/prompt. Participants can try their hand at the prompt and then post results to community discussion boards. We hope to feature a wide variety of topics in all genres. All workshopping will be peer-review and everything is optional and voluntary.
Technology?
Both sessions will utilize the Canvas learning management system. All work will be online and asynchronous, so nobody will need to be in any one place at any given time. Participants will need to register but registration is free.
Length?
Honestly we’re not quite sure. Part of the plan for both of these is to get started and see where they go, with input from participants and flexibility across the board. We don’t know if this will work or not, but we think there might be a space for something like this and we think we can fill at least a little bit of that space, for a little while.
Read or Write!
To sign up, you just need to provide your name and email via the Canvas system. Click on the links below for the Read-In and Write-In (two separate links, so if you want to do both, which is totally cool with us, you’ll need to do this twice) and then click on the blue “Enroll in This Course” button to the right.
READ-IN: Sign up for the Read-In
WRITE-IN: Sign up for the Write-In
If you have any issues signing up or accessing the Canvas learning management system, email yobarrelhouse at gmail dot com.