ELO 2015: The End(s) of Electronic Literature

Learn a cutting-edge method of performative creative writing based on human-computer interaction. 

You will learn to “write with your voices” (as opposed to typing on a keyboard) using speech recognition software. We will take turns saying impromptu lines out loud into a microphone. The computer will recognize the lines with varying accuracy and turn the speech into text on the computer screen. We will develop a set of improvisational tools to enhance dramatic writing utilizing the computer’s errors (misrecognitions) in collaboration with other participants. You will be confronted with situations requiring quick decision-making because the computer does not reproduce your speech with 100% accuracy — a fact that will challenge you to deal with technological dysfunction in the here-and-now of a performative writing situation. Also, you will be challenged to listen and respond to your human writing partners and their texts. Through guided practice, you will learn to take the writing process in unexpected directions, further into an improvisational realm.

While practicing this collaborative, performative, live writing method with human and computer partners, we will work toward creating short fictional scenes. The scenes will be based on dramatic situations that we will come up with together through rehearsals and discussion. In addition to this practical work, we will spend time discussing readings of relevant texts (live writing, new technology, human-computer interfaces and drama). 

At the end of the workshop, we will present a live, performative writing event, in which you will have the opportunity to perform those aspects of the writing method that you find most compelling. The showing will be planned and performed collaboratively. At the end of this workshop, you will have the tools to continue exploring the relationship of text, digital media, and performance in your own work.

Please note that no special computer skills are required.