I am excited to join SURPRISE THE LINE this Summer to offer writers four fantastic opportunities to explore their inner shadow, to learn from those who came before us and to hone our craft in safe, supportive and dynamic small groups. There’s something for everyone.
Check out our offerings below!
Summer 2021: The Beat Generation
“Follow your inner moonlight; don’t hide the madness.”
– Allen Ginsberg
Join a dynamic and diverse group of writers as we survey the poetry of Beat poets like Allen Ginsberg, Gregory Corso, Lawrence Ferlinghetti and Diane Di Prima. We will also take a peek at their inspirations William Blake, Walt Whitman, Arthur Rimbaud and others.
What We’ll Do:
Each week, we will read a poem or two from a Beat poet before delving into creative writing exercises readers and writers at all levels can enjoy. Through their work, we will discover our own authentic voices, passions and inspirations. And, as they did, we will see how modern voices are reacting against institutionalized American values, materialism, and conformity.
Week 1: HOWL, homosexuality and the trial that put the Beats on the map
Week 2: The Legacy of Lawrence Ferlinghetti
Week 3: Women of the Beat Generation
Week 4: Writers of Color and the Beats
Week 5: Influences on the Beats: Blake, Whitman and Rimbaud
Week 6: Kerouac, Corso and Kaufman
What You’ll Get:
* Brief overview of the history of Beat poetry
* Sample poems by various Beat poets
* Writing exercises based on Beat poetry
* A chance to share what you discovered in a safe environment
What You’ll Need:
* email address
* Zoom account
* Laptop, computer or phone with Zoom installed
* Pen and Paper (optional)
* Microsoft Word (optional)
How to Join:
This 6-week class is offered by donation. As a community education arts organization, we believe in breaking down the barriers to knowledge acquisition and production, including art-making and arts education. Therefore, every season, we will have at least one class offered 100% by donation.
Suggested donation: $20 per class, or $120 for the series
No one turned away for lack of funds. Please choose an Eventbrite ticket that honors your financial situation. We want you to attend! This class is 100% based on the honor system, so please pay whatever you think is appropriate. For example, you can donate multiple times for individual classes as your schedule allows, or you can donate once for multiple weeks at a time. Either way, once you register on Eventbrite, you will receive email communication with the Zoom links to join. Please make sure your inbox settings allow you to receive emails from Eventbrite.
If you are able and willing to support at a higher level, we have a Tip Jar option for you to send some loving energy money our way at any time! If you are only able to attend at the free level, we welcome you with open arms. We understand everyone’s situation is different, so come on in.
Some helpful information:
This is a 6-week class. You may attend all 6 weeks or attend individual sessions as you like. Drop-ins welcome! If you are finding this event after the course has started, you are still welcome to join any time.
You only need to register on Eventbrite once to receive the Zoom links for each session. However, you may come back and donate again at any time 🙂
Even if you cannot attend all 6 sessions, you will receive email communication for all 6. This is because it’s easier for us to streamline our admin to everyone in the group. Thanks for understanding 🙂
If you have any questions, please email surprisetheline@gmail.com.
If you would like to donate via Venmo or PayPal instead of Eventbrite, please email surprisetheline@gmail.com
About the Teacher:
Born in Beirut, Lebanon, Arminé Iknadossian’s family fled to California when she was four years old to escape the civil war. After graduating from UCLA, Iknadossian earned an MFA in Creative Writing at Antioch University. The author of All That Wasted Fruit (Main Street Rag), Iknadossian’s work is included in Whale Road Review, Southern Florida Poetry Journal, KYSO Flash/MacQueen’s Quarterly and The American Journal of Poetry. She has received fellowships from Idyllwild Arts, The Los Angeles Writing Project and Otis College of Art and Design. She lives in Long Beach, California where she offers writing workshops and private manuscript consultations.
Surprise the Line Diversity Statement:
We stand in solidarity with Black Lives Matter. We believe in empowering more writing on the page and encouraging more diverse voices in the world. We operate with an anti-racist, anti-ableist, anti-sexist, anti-classist, anti-xenophobic, nondenominational, pro-LGBTQIA, pro-environment and global worldview. We bring the values of integrity, generosity, compassion, critical thinking, and equity into every workshop. Surprise the Line offers a variety of community writing workshops.
For a full calendar of events, visit our website.
To be notified of new events via email, click here.
(Header image credit: Eden Pictures)
About this event
This revision circle offers a place to share your creative writing, receive helpful revision strategies and get the opportunity to provide feedback to others. While there is no minimum experience level or application required, this workshop is geared towards writers who are already familiar with literary critique environments and are ready for fresh perspectives on their work.
Space is limited to 6. Advance registration is required (not a drop-in class).
What We’ll Do:
Bring your WIP (works in progress) to our Diving Deeper Revision Circle for feedback from practicing writers. In this supportive, diverse and dynamic environment, we will practice respectful, inquisitive and constructive critique. The goal is to help each writer advance toward their writing goals with ideas for revision.
This is a creative and anti-racist critique space for the group dynamic to co-create together, while supporting each other’s individual artistic journeys.
We operate with the belief that there is no “right or wrong” way to write, and we honor each person’s interests and voice.
Each week will involve a brief review/discussion on the following topics, then an equal amount of time will be given to each participant for workshopping. While this workshop runs 10am – 12 pm PST, there will be a nice 30 minute buffer period afterward for participants to socialize or ask questions because community is important!
Week 1: Setting Goals (Expressing what we need from our peers.)
Week 2: Taking Risks (Try a new writing strategy or subject.)
Week 3: Cutting Deep (Don’t be afraid to shorten a draft.)
Week 4: Giving Shape (Try a new form or invent one.)
Week 5: Saying it Loud (Subjects that scare us.)
Week 6: Sending it Out (Why publish?)
NOTE: While this workshop is geared towards poetry, short prose pieces are also welcomed.
What You’ll Get:
* an opportunity to share your writing with a diverse and intimate group setting
* tried and true revision techniques for works in progress
* sample poems and prose that utilize effective writing strategies
* encouragement and inspiration for whatever writing project you are working on
What You’ll Need:
* a typed poem or piece of prose to share (1-6 pieces)
* Zoom account
* Laptop, computer or phone with Zoom installed
* Pen and Paper (optional)
* Microsoft Word to download handout
How to Join:
1. This small-group workshop requires advance registration and is limited to 6 participants. Sorry, but no one will be admitted after the first session has started, except in unusual circumstances. This is to protect the integrity of the group and create the opportunity for deep literary relationships to develop.
2. You have options for payment. You can pay in full on Eventbrite up front, or email surprisetheline@gmail.com to pay via Venmo, to pay in installments via Venmo, or to send a check in the mail.
*If you are experiencing financial hardship, and would like the possibility of earning a scholarship ticket, please email armiknado@gmail.com a short summary of your situation.
NOTE: If you’d like an additional 1-on-1 private consultation about your works in progress, you can add a 1 hour consultation with the teacher to your ticket (optional).
About the Teacher:
Born in Beirut, Lebanon, Arminé Iknadossian’s family fled to California when she was four years old to escape the civil war. After graduating from UCLA, Iknadossian earned an MFA in Creative Writing at Antioch University. The author of All That Wasted Fruit (Main Street Rag), Iknadossian’s work is included in Whale Road Review, Southern Florida Poetry Journal, KYSO Flash/MacQueen’s Quarterly and The American Journal of Poetry. She has received fellowships from Idyllwild Arts, The Los Angeles Writing Project and Otis College of Art and Design. She lives in Long Beach, California where she offers writing workshops and private manuscript consultations.
Surprise the Line Diversity Statement:
We stand in solidarity with Black Lives Matter. We believe in empowering more writing on the page and encouraging more diverse voices in the world. We operate with an anti-racist, anti-ableist, anti-sexist, anti-classist, anti-xenophobic, nondenominational, pro-LGBTQIA, pro-environment and global worldview. We bring the values of integrity, generosity, compassion, critical thinking, and equity into every workshop.
Surprise the Line offers a variety of community writing workshops.
For a full calendar of events, visit our website.
To be notified of new events via email, click here.
About this event
The Writer’s Shadow is a generative writing series designed to help us connect with our subconscious mind. Each series will explore a different aspect of personal or social archetypes. This is a safe and brave space to learn more about the hidden side of our own personalities. We take inspiration from our shadow selves to inform our creative work on a deep level.
*** $20 DISCOUNT for Medical+Essential Workers/Teachers/Veterans***
*** $45 DISCOUNT for Students/LGBTQIA/BIPOC Writers ****
Summer 2021: The Divine Feminine
“Find the goddess inside yourself instead of looking for the god in someone else.”
-Francesca Lia Block
We all carry it inside us—the creative force. Whatever your gender identity, the goddess lives inside us all if we choose to search for her wisdom. Do you want to take a fresh approach to your writing practice? Are you ready to revisit literature from the matriarchal point of view for a change? Isn’t the patriarchy tired? In this class, we will read sample poems inspired by various divine feminine archetypes. Then we will have a chance to write quietly and share our writing with a supportive and diverse group of peers.
What You’ll Get:
* brief overview of the Sacred Feminine archetypes
* sample poems by various poets
* writing exercises inspired by the sample poems
* an intimate and supportive group with which to share your first drafts
Week 1: The Lover Archetype
Week 2: The Warrior Archetype
NOTE: There is NO class July 4. We will skip July 4 and pick it up again the following week.
Week 3: The Queen Mother Archetype
Week 4: The Goddess Archetype
Week 5: The Priestess Archetype
Week 6: The Wise Woman Archetype
What You’ll Need:
* Zoom account
* Laptop, computer or phone with Zoom installed
* Pen and Paper (optional)
* Microsoft Word to download handout
About the Teacher:
Born in Beirut, Lebanon, Arminé Iknadossian’s family fled to California when she was four years old to escape the civil war. After graduating from UCLA, Iknadossian earned an MFA in Creative Writing at Antioch University. The author of All That Wasted Fruit (Main Street Rag), Iknadossian’s work is included in Whale Road Review, Southern Florida Poetry Journal, KYSO Flash/MacQueen’s Quarterly and The American Journal of Poetry. She has received fellowships from Idyllwild Arts, The Los Angeles Writing Project and Otis College of Art and Design. She lives in Long Beach, California where she offers writing workshops and private manuscript consultations.
Surprise the Line Diversity Statement:
We stand in solidarity with Black Lives Matter. We believe in empowering more writing on the page and encouraging more diverse voices in the world. We operate with an anti-racist, anti-ableist, anti-sexist, anti-classist, anti-xenophobic, nondenominational, pro-LGBTQIA, pro-environment and global worldview. We bring the values of integrity, generosity, compassion, critical thinking, and equity into every workshop.
For a full calendar of events, visit the Surprise the Line website.
For new class announcements, join the Surprise the Line email list.
About this event:
Do the words “workshop” and “critique” intimidate you? Do you ever wonder what the next step is after you have written something you are proud of? This 6-week series offers a supportive introduction to the process of revising poems for writers of all levels.
Space is limited to 6. Advance registration is required (not a drop-in class).
What We’ll Do:
Bring your drafts to our All Levels Revision Circle, and we will practice giving and receiving feedback on creative writing no matter what stage it’s at. In this supportive, diverse and dynamic environment, we will practice respectful, inquisitive and constructive critique. The goal is to help each writer learn more about their own process, style and writing goals, and provide ideas for revision.
This is a creative and anti-racist critique space for the group dynamic to co-create together, while supporting each other’s individual artistic journeys.
We operate with the belief that there is no “right or wrong” way to write, and we honor each person’s interests and voice. However, disrespectful or prejudiced behavior will not be tolerated.
Each week will involve a brief review/discussion on the following topics, then an equal amount of time will be given to each participant for workshoping. While this workshop runs 6-8 pm PST, there will be a nice 30 minute buffer period afterward for participants to socialize or ask questions if they wish because community is important!
Week 1: Five Reasons to Revise Your Drafts
Week 2: Imagery and the Human Imagination
Week 3: Figurative Language and ‘First Thought, Best Thought’
Week 4: The View from Here: Why POV Matters
Week 5: Form and Function
Week 6: Audience and Purpose
NOTE: While this workshop is geared towards poetry, short prose pieces are also welcomed.
What You’ll Get:
* An opportunity to share your writing in a supportive and diverse group
* Brief review/discussion of literary topics
* Revision techniques that could open up new approaches to your subject/style
* Strategies on how to offer and effective feedback
* Ideas for what to try next after receiving feedback
What You’ll Need:
* an original poem or piece of short prose you need help with (1-6 pieces)
* Zoom account
* Laptop, computer or phone with Zoom installed
* Pen and Paper (optional)
* Microsoft Word to download handout
How to Join:
1. This small-group workshop requires advance registration and is limited to 6 participants. Sorry, but no one will be admitted after the first session has started, except in unusual circumstances. This is to protect the integrity of the group and create the opportunity for deep literary relationships to develop.
2. You have options for payment. You can pay in full on Eventbrite up front, or email surprisetheline@gmail.com to pay via Venmo, to pay in installments via Venmo, or to send a check in the mail.
*We have one scholarship ticket available for a dedicated writer experiencing financial hardship. You must be able to anticipate attending all 6 sessions. Please email armiknado@gmail.com with a short explanation about your situation.
NOTE: If you’d like an additional 1-on-1 private consultation about your works in progress, you can add a 1 hour consultation with the teacher to your ticket (optional).
About the Teacher:
Born in Beirut, Lebanon, Arminé Iknadossian’s family fled to California when she was four years old to escape the civil war. After graduating from UCLA, Iknadossian earned an MFA in Creative Writing at Antioch University. The author of All That Wasted Fruit (Main Street Rag), Iknadossian’s work is included in Whale Road Review, Southern Florida Poetry Journal, KYSO Flash/MacQueen’s Quarterly and The American Journal of Poetry. She has received fellowships from Idyllwild Arts, The Los Angeles Writing Project and Otis College of Art and Design. She lives in Long Beach, California where she offers writing workshops and private manuscript consultations.
Surprise the Line Diversity Statement:
We stand in solidarity with Black Lives Matter. We believe in empowering more writing on the page and encouraging more diverse voices in the world. We operate with an anti-racist, anti-ableist, anti-sexist, anti-classist, anti-xenophobic, nondenominational, pro-LGBTQIA, pro-environment and global worldview. We bring the values of integrity, generosity, compassion, critical thinking, and equity into every workshop.
Surprise the Line offers a variety of community writing workshops.
For a full calendar of events, visit our website.
To be notified of new events via email, click here.
