Photo Play: Using Photographs to Enrich Your Writing

“A photograph stops time,” observes essayist Jennie Goode. “It stands still, allowing us to ponder and contemplate, to ask questions, to return again and discover something new.” In this workshop, we’ll discuss how photographic images can fuel creativity and enhance both poetry and prose. Bring photos from your personal stash to work with, or opt to use images provided by the instructor. We’ll read a couple of short published examples together, then write from prompts to jumpstart our work. The class ends with light sharing of what we discovered.

You're invited to stay for Open Studio (11a–1pm) to continue working on your piece.

Paula Martinac is the award-winning author of seven novels and three nonfiction books. Her short stories and essays have been published in Raleigh Review, Main Street Rag, Minerva Rising, Hippocampus, Art & Understanding, and other places. She has received fellowships and grants from the Arts & Science Council, the North Carolina Arts Council, the Modern Language Association, and the Historical Novel Society, and was the recipient of the 2023 William F. Deeck-Malice Domestic Grant for an unpublished mystery novel. In 2020, she was inducted into the Saints & Sinners Hall of Fame, which recognizes individuals for their dedication to LGBTQ+ literature. Paula taught fiction writing at UNC Charlotte from 2015 to 2024. In addition to working as Charlotte Lit’s Community Coordinator, she is a freelance developmental editor and writing coach.