CLASS DESCRIPTION Hybrids in the truest sense, "hermit crab" essays borrow their structures from ordinary, extra-literary sources (a recipe, a police report, a pack of cards, an obituary…) to use as a framework for a lyric meditation on the chosen subject. In the best examples, these borrowed structures feel less contrived than inevitable. Using a readymade form can—ironically—be an incredibly liberating way to work, exciting for both new writers as well as more advanced practitioners. In this four-hour seminar, we will spend an hour or so analyzing a few exemplary hermit crab essays and discuss how to choose the right “shell.” Plenty of time will be set aside for "in-class" work, as students try their hands at their own hermit crab essays, which we will review as time allows. Workshop meets on May 21, 2022 from 10am-2pm PAYMENT OPTIONS: The Add to Cart button on this page will let you pay with PayPal or a credit card of your choice. If you prefer to use Venmo or send a personal check, please email me at kimadrian115@gmail.com for details on how to do so. WITHDRAWAL POLICY If you are unable to participate in this class after having signed up for it, a full refund minus processing fees will be given up to one week (7 days) prior to start of class (5/14/22). If you need to withdraw closer to the class, a credit will be given to use for another class with me or for the equivalent number of hours applicable to manuscript consultation up to three full days prior to the start of class (5/17). Withdrawals after 5/17 are non-refundable. CANCELLATION POLICY This class needs a minimum of 5 students to run. If the class fails to fill to this point, refunds will be issued on or by May 21.