In a creative writing class, you will sometimes encounter complicated and challenging topics and themes, both in published work and in the work of fellow classmates. It’s important to take care of each other, particularly when we share creative work and respond to each other’s work, for we all bring our own vulnerabilities and worldviews to the classroom.

We can protect and preserve our bond in a classroom by letting each other know about language and content, when necessary. While everyone has different levels of receptivity to language and content, The Writing Salon has found that a language and content notification is most helpful when using derogatory terms (e.g., racial epithets, homophobic slurs) and/or emotionally challenging content and sensitive topics such as abuse, rape, extreme violence, and suicide. We strongly encourage the use of language and content notifications when sharing creative work.

Language and content notifications should include a clear statement as well as accompanying notes or commentary, whether written or verbal. Additional commentary is often helpful in order for the group to support the writer. Apart from preparing readers for charged language and content, a language and content notification can prompt a valuable discussion that will help the writer with the delicate craft decisions that come up in a piece that is polarizing or emotionally challenging.