Putting Yourself In Your Story: Deconstructing the Myth of "Self-Insertion" Fiction
Virtual - Link will be sent via email after registration!
Friday, November 21th, 5:30-7pm
Age Group: 18+
Skill Level: Beginner
Max # of Participants: 10

Description: Who gets to write themselves into their stories, and who gets punished for it? In this workshop, we’ll unpack the myth of “self-insert” fiction and how it’s been weaponized to undermine marginalized writers. The truth is, every author pours pieces of themselves into their work. So why is that only a problem when the author is a woman, queer, or a person of color?

Together, we’ll look at how bias shows up in literary critique, why “self-insert” is often code for deeper discomfort with marginalized perspectives, and how to reclaim your right to write yourself into your work unapologetically. Through discussion and reflection, you’ll learn to embrace your unique experiences as creative power.

By the end of this workshop, participants will understand how the label “self-insert” has been used to silence marginalized voices, recognize that all writers draw from personal experience, and reclaim the right to write themselves into their stories with confidence and authenticity.

About the facilitator: Luka (he/they) is a storyteller and author from Squirrel Hill with a particular love for literary fiction, horror, and spending time outdoors. Luka is also one of Write Pittsburgh's Write Spark Emerging Writers-in-Residence!

Refund & Cancellation Policy: Attendees can cancel their registration 7 days or more before the event for a full refund (minus ticketing fees). If there is a need to cancel registration less than 7 days before the event, 50% of the ticket cost will be refunded (minus ticketing fees).

Write Pittsburgh reserves the right to cancel events due to unforeseen circumstances including low registration. If this happens, registrants will receive a 100% refund of the workshop cost (minus ticketing fees). Please note that Humanitix does not allow us to refund ticketing fees, so that is not something that we have any control over.