Even though people think about sex all the time, and even have it occasionally, writers tend to shy from explicit sex scenes. Which is crazy. Because sex is the one experience that makes us all hopeful and horny and embarrassed and vulnerable. In this freewheeling session, we’ll look at the work of Miranda July, Mary Gordon, and others in an effort to figure out how to infuse our own sex scenes with genuine emotion and ecstatic sensation. And we'll do an exercise to bring the lessons home. Arrive ready to lay your characters bare.

Instructor bio:

Steve Almond is the author of twelve books of fiction and nonfiction, including the New York Times bestsellers Candyfreak and Against Football.

His recent books include the novel All the Secrets of the World, which has been optioned for television by 20th Century Fox Fox, and William Stoner and the Battle for the Inner Life.

For four years, Steve hosted the New York Times Dear Sugars podcast with his pal Cheryl Strayed. He is the recipient of a 2022 NEA grant in fiction, and his short stories have been anthologized in the Best American Short Stories, The Pushcart Prize, Best American Erotica, and Best American Mysteries series. He also publishes crazy, DIY books.

Limited to 12 participants

Fiction

Tuition: $85. Sign-up deadline: May 2