Lindsay Merbaum: Author
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THE COVEN

What is a coven? It’s a circle of knowledge-seekers who are grounded in their own power. It’s a connection based on a shared intention to grow and explore. 

The Independent Study Series/Study Coven offers an intro to feminist horror, plus classes exploring queer magical realism, witches, ghosts, monsters, and more. Themes and dates are selected by the Study Coven, who maintain semi-regular contact via Discord.

How it works: at least a month before each class, students are invited to enroll and receive a syllabus outlining readings, plus creative writing exercises derived from the texts. Supplemental materials are also included. These assignments are then completed in advance of one or two live Zoom sessions. When the group meets, we engage in guided discussion, workshop pieces that were sparked by the syllabus, and often host guests, such as visiting authors.
To inquire about a class or
joining the coven, contact
​the high priestess:
lmerbaum@gmail.com

COST PER CLASS:
$50-100 sliding scale

WHAT MY WITCHES HAVE TO SAY ABOUT IT...

For every class I've taken with Lindsay, I've written a new story—two of three have been published, and the third is part of a collection I'm currently shopping around. Even better than that, I've gotten to know a wonderful group of supportive women. Signing up for that first class--Feminist Horror in 2022--was one of the best things I've done for myself as a writer. And I can't wait for this year's topics!"  — Rebecca Cuthbert, author of the forthcoming poetry collection In Memory of Exoskeletons

"From the writing prompts to guided discussions to personalized feedback, the Feminist Horror class had everything I could’ve asked for! Lindsay fostered such a creative and open environment to share my writing and meet other writers." — AP

"I have taken three classes with Lindsay so far: Feminist Horror, Queer Magical Realism, and Witches. She is a fabulous teacher. She gives insightful comments on workshop pieces, comes up with cool course content, fosters a really fun, collegial environment amongst the students, so much so that a bunch of us keep comsmagazine.com/2021/06/02/my-octopus-teacher-working-moms-parental-paid-leave-child-care-america-covid/ming back." — Clare O'Dowd

"Lindsay's writing classes are enriching and fruitful. Her prompts are among the best I've seen and the book selections and insight shared during classes is valuable. She does an excellent job of building community among writers and encouraging a positive workshopping experience. I've had several pieces published that grew out of her prompts and writing workshops." --Jen Fischer, writer and filmmaker

CLASS OFFERINGS

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FEMINIST HORROR

Examine two celebrated masterpieces of fiction through the lens of feminist horror, while exploring elements of horror in your own writing. 

  • BELOVED by Toni Morrison
  • THE HANDMAID’S TALE by Margaret Atwood

GHOSTS

What is a ghost? What does it mean to be haunted? Delve into the spectral and consider the possibilities it offers your own stories. 
​
  • THE SENTENCE by Louise Erdrich 
  • Assorted stories and essays
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MONSTERS

Explore monstrous themes, ideas, and origins through the reading of a monster classic and your own corresponding creative work.

  •  FRANKENSTEIN by Mary Shelley 
  • Assorted stories and essays

WITCHES

The historical, persecuted witch vs the modern self-proclaimed witch: explore the nuances of the juxtaposition through reading and creative writing.

  • THE MANNINGTREE WITCHES by A.K. Blakemore 
  • WE WERE WITCHES by Ariel Gore
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QUEER MAGICAL REALISM

Consider magical realism from a queer perspective through two unique and imaginative texts, while experimenting with the boundaries of the real in your own work. 
​
  • MOONFLOWER, NIGHTSHADE, ALL THE HOURS OF THE DAY by JD Scott
  • PAUL TAKES THE FORM OF A MORTAL GIRL by Andrea Lawlor
© 2022 Lindsay Merbaum
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