Diverse Narrative Structures 2.0

NOTE: This class is asynchronous and does not meet at set times. Please ignore the time information included on this page.

Discussions in the West around diversity in the arts often focus on the identities of characters and creators while ignoring other key aspects of narrative. In this completely overhauled class, author Henry Lien offers an introduction to Eastern structures and storytelling that opens writers’ minds to radically different ways of telling a satisfying story.

Storytelling staples in the West, such as the three-act structure and themes of empowerment and change, are far from universal. Over the course of four weeks, Lien will explore expressions of diversity that go beyond just plopping different faces into stories that are 100 percent Western in spirit. Students will learn about narrative forms such as the the East Asian four-act structure as well as circular and nested structures, along with an explanation of how Eastern value systems such as collectivism can dictate form.

Through weekly lectures, writing exercises that utilize students' own works, and case studies of narratives such as the films “Parasite” and “Everything Everywhere All At Once”, works by Hayao Miyazaki and Haruki Murakami, The Thousand and One Nights, and Nintendo video games, Lien will help writers examine and use diverse structures, themes, and values from Eastern storytelling. 

• Date: July 11th - August 10th, 2025
• Where: Online — Available everywhere and at your own pace
• Price: $350
• Registration Deadline: Sunday, July 6th, 2025

Financial Aid Available!

For full class details, including required texts, accessibility info, and available financial aid, please visit WritingTheOther.com.

Refund Policy

If you find that you need to drop the workshop, you may do so by requesting a refund via Humanitix up to 14 days before the class start date. Beyond this date, you will not get a refund, however you may have that credit applied toward a future course.