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The Power of Shapeshifting: Healing & Transformation through Memoir with Justin on July 25th
Can writing heal us? How might we transform our experiences, memories, and identities on the page? During this interactive workshop, we’ll discuss and practice Expressive Writing—the evidence-based modality for healing originated by linguist and researcher James Pennebaker. We’ll also read and discuss excerpts from unconventional memoirs—including Carmen Maria Machado’s In The Dream House and Melissa Febos’ Body Work—in which the authors remake their own selves by renovating the shape and form of their personal narratives. Inspired by these works, we’ll experiment with several writing exercises designed to help us re-author ourselves and transform our own experiences into art. This generative writing workshop is open to all levels of experience. Bring your preferred writing implements – pen, notebook and/or computer/laptop.
About Justin
Justin Hocking is the author of The Great Floodgates of the Wonderworld: A Memoir, which won the Oregon Book Award for Creative Nonfiction and was a finalist for the PEN USA Award. He also received the Willamette Writers’ Humanitarian Award for his work in publishing, writing, and teaching, and was named as one of “Ten Writers Who Made Portland” by Willamette Week. Along with an MFA in Creative Writing, he holds a BA in Psychology and a Foundations Training Certificate from the Vancouver School for Narrative Therapy. He currently teaches in the MFA and BFA Program in Creative Writing at Portland State University, and his most recent memoir, A Field Guide to the Subterranean, is a finalist for the 2026 Oregon Book Award. For more information about Justin, please visit his website.
Hoffman Center classes and events are often photographed or filmed, and we love sharing those moments on our social media, website, and newsletter so people can get a feel for what it's like to create and connect here. By registering, you agree to be included in images of the event you have registered for. If you would prefer not to appear in images, please tell a staff member when you arrive.
The Power of Shapeshifting: Healing & Transformation through Memoir with Justin on July 25th
Can writing heal us? How might we transform our experiences, memories, and identities on the page? During this interactive workshop, we’ll discuss and practice Expressive Writing—the evidence-based modality for healing originated by linguist and researcher James Pennebaker. We’ll also read and discuss excerpts from unconventional memoirs—including Carmen Maria Machado’s In The Dream House and Melissa Febos’ Body Work—in which the authors remake their own selves by renovating the shape and form of their personal narratives. Inspired by these works, we’ll experiment with several writing exercises designed to help us re-author ourselves and transform our own experiences into art. This generative writing workshop is open to all levels of experience. Bring your preferred writing implements – pen, notebook and/or computer/laptop.
About Justin
Justin Hocking is the author of The Great Floodgates of the Wonderworld: A Memoir, which won the Oregon Book Award for Creative Nonfiction and was a finalist for the PEN USA Award. He also received the Willamette Writers’ Humanitarian Award for his work in publishing, writing, and teaching, and was named as one of “Ten Writers Who Made Portland” by Willamette Week. Along with an MFA in Creative Writing, he holds a BA in Psychology and a Foundations Training Certificate from the Vancouver School for Narrative Therapy. He currently teaches in the MFA and BFA Program in Creative Writing at Portland State University, and his most recent memoir, A Field Guide to the Subterranean, is a finalist for the 2026 Oregon Book Award. For more information about Justin, please visit his website.
Hoffman Center classes and events are often photographed or filmed, and we love sharing those moments on our social media, website, and newsletter so people can get a feel for what it's like to create and connect here. By registering, you agree to be included in images of the event you have registered for. If you would prefer not to appear in images, please tell a staff member when you arrive.