Writing Workshop: Professor Tonya Hegamin, ‘Writing the Taboo’

This event is part of our programme supporting Global Majority and Underrepresented Writers.

Writing the Taboo explores the complicated emotional responses that readers and writers can feel when encountering certain subjects in life-writing.

Audiences can get “turned off” or “triggered” from reading deeply personal details, and authors can also get intimidated by writing highly emotional, violent or intimate life occurrences. Often, these feelings can keep both parties from connecting and communicating in literary and psychological ways. This work will focus on articulating “the ick” experience to engage and transcend social and personal taboos on the page (and in workshops) and to transform what we fear into compassion.

This event is free and open to all; however, registration is required. Places are limited, with priority given to those who identify as members of the Global Majority or underrepresented writers (for further information and definitions, please see our ‘Global Majority and Underrepresented Writers’ Programme’ page).

This event will be recorded and will be available soon after. Registration is not required to access the recording.

Registration will close on 27 May 2025 at 10:30. Successful registrants will be informed soon after.

Any queries regarding this event should be addressed to OCLW Administrator, Dr Alice Little.