Class

From the Kitchen to the Page

"It seems to me that our three basic needs, for food and security and love, are so mixed and mingled and entwined that we cannot straightly think of one without the others. So it happens that when I write of hunger, I am really writing about love and the hunger for it, and warmth and the love of it ... and it is all one."

From food blogs to cookbooks to feature journalism, the world of food and drink writing is a rich place to explore for personal and professional ambitions.

This two-session workshop will delve into the various categories of food/drink writing, identify “dream publications” that match with writers’ interests, and help participants develop their voice as writers in this realm.

We will read and discuss classic food writers such as MFK Fisher (quoted above), Laurie Colwin, Edna Lewis, Nigella Lawson, and Anthony Bourdain, as well as contemporary articles that expose how colonialism has been part of food and drink writing. Through in-class exercises, we will identify what makes food and drink writing compelling, and strengthen our personal literary voices.

Lastly, we will run a mock “pitch” session that will shed light on how editors at lifestyle publications think, and what might prompt them to commission an idea for an article.

All Classes listed on the Loft website take place in Central Standard Time (CST); make sure you understand your time zone, and adjust accordingly

Instructions for Accessing This Online Class

In order to access live class meetings, you must have the Zoom application downloaded to your computer. You will also need a WiFi/Internet connection throughout the duration of your scheduled meeting and a computer with audio and video capability. The information to join your Zoom classroom will be provided in your confirmation email upon registration. Please check spam folders if you do not see this email upon registration. For more information on how to use Zoom, please see our training manual here.

Some classes use a supplemental Google Classroom page. Should your teaching artist use Google Classroom, you will be invited to join the classroom via email at least 24 hours in advance of your class (check spam folders if you are not seeing this invitation). Please note that Google Classroom requires a Gmail address to access the Classroom. If you do not have a Gmail account, the email invitation will be sent to the email address we have on file and will prompt you to create a free account or enter an existing account to join the classroom. If we are unable to send an email invitation to your non-gmail account, you will be contacted by a staff member to provide a Gmail address. If you do not have a Gmail account, you can create a free account here. Should you have concerns about this, please contact a Loft staff member at [email protected] or 612-379-8999. For more information on how to use Google Classroom, please see our training manual here.