"Here She Lays" (Advance Creative Writing)

This advanced creative writing unit transforms your classroom into a professional publishing house where students collaboratively create a multi-perspective novel inspired by the themes of loss, memory, and the complexity of human relationships. Drawing inspiration from the true story of Venus Xtravaganza and the groundbreaking series Pose—particularly the episode "Never Knew Love Like This Before"—students will work together to create a shared world centered on a recently deceased character whose funeral becomes the focal point for multiple characters to reflect on their relationship with the deceased. Each student writes a chapter from the perspective of a different funeral attendee, revealing new facets of the deceased's life and the impact they had on others. The unit emphasizes professional collaboration, multiple perspectives, complex character development, grief and memory, and the ethical responsibility of writing about marginalized communities.

Materials & Resources:

• PPT: "Here She Lays.pptx"
• Episode: Pose, Season 2, Episode 4: "Never Knew Love Like This Before"
• Documentary: Paris Is Burning (optional)
• Role Packets: Class Contracts, Editorial Feedback, Marketing Materials Guides, Role-Specific Addendum, Weekly Check-In Forms:
• Digital Forms:Google Docs, Canva, Trello/Asana, Miro/Jamboard