The Art of the Review with Alissa Wilkinson (Virtual)

The review is a familiar genre, yet it’s one of the most misunderstood. Reviews frequently resemble summaries, book reports, or rants, losing their true value and becoming disposable in the process. Learning to write a good review can open doors for any writer, and a great review can extend the cultural life of the artwork under discussion, even if it’s not a rave.

In this two-day workshop, will examine the review as a genre of creative writing with specific characteristics, tasks, and opportunities for the writer. What is and isn’t a review, and how have they evolved? How does  a writer craft a narrator, and how can description, character, opinion, and rhythm inform the review? What are great choices to make when writing reviews?

Prior to the workshop, participants will read several reviews as models. During the session, participants will also discuss how they work and learn how to harness their voices to write great reviews. The workshop will also cover craft considerations when reviewing art and pop culture in different media, focusing on reviews of films, books, visual art, and performances intended for the general interest reader. Additionally, it will involve lectures, discussion of readings, generative writing exercises, and practical tips. Participants will leave with tools to fuel their own creative pursuits of reviewing in the future.