The Embodiment Masterclass
Twelve women writers from across Nigeria and Kenya and The Diaspora came together virtually for three hours in a space led by Mofiyinfoluwa O to cultivate an atmosphere of creativity, vulnerability and truth-telling about the universes that are our bodies. The masterclass consisted of three writing prompts, assigned pre-reading and craft talks. We studied the essays of Margo Steins, Melissa Febos, Ukuamaka Olisakwe and poetry by Titilope Sonuga. The masterclass was structured in such a way as to ensure the freedom to generate new work and to interact with established essayists to observe technical and thematic styles.
The Cohort
Writers selected for the January 2024 Embodiment Masterclass.
Testimonials
This was such a beautiful space. It helped me to see writing as more than just technical but as something that requires heart. The discussions around the recommended readings helped me learn a lot about vulnerability and form. Fiyin’s prompt on truths within the body, spirit and soul was healing and helped me to tap into the spiritual side of writing as she called it. All in all, I really enjoyed this masterclass and the community that came with it. -- Tammie Clinton
The atmosphere of the class was warm and welcoming. It felt powerful to be surrounded by multiple talented women writers. I was in awe of the brilliance of their writing and insight into the assigned readings. Mofiyinfoluwa is a dynamic and engaging instructor. The way she talked about our works and also showed us the threads of connections between our work and things we wanted to try with our writing with other CNF essays was really helpful. Her prompts demanded that we look deep within ourselves and write from a place of truth, self-knowledge and the absence of shame. – H.B Asari
I adored Mofiyinfoluwa’s way of teaching and carrying us along. I was late, but she took time to help me find my center, and offered me so much insight on this form of work. I love how she emphasized the importance of our stories, and how warm she made the space. I would absolutely do this again, and then again. It was a wonderful time. -- Desire O.
I came into this class with a blank slate and left with a slate full of ideas and valuable lessons. The class was well-rounded and you can see the intentionality with how it was structured and how everything flowed - from the essay recommendations to the prompts to the end of the class. It didn't feel like a 3-hour masterclass, it was intimate, liberating and answered numerous questions I hadn't even realized were on my mind. -- Mario Ahmad