Make a Scene in Creative Nonfiction

"Show, Don't tell" is a well-worn writing school cliché. But in creative nonfiction especially, it's necessary to both show AND tell. William Carlos Williams famously said, "no ideas but in things." But writers of nonfiction discover their own authority, their own voice, through telling. In this seminar we will talk about the importance of each mode of storytelling, and do close readings of writers who hinge between the two modes successfully. We will also talk about the elements of good scene writing, negative vs. positive charges, "turning points," and consequences. Writers will leave the class with new writing and insight on their existing writing.

Class Format

This class will take place using Zoom videoconferencing. About 15 minutes before your class is scheduled to begin, you'll receive an email from your instructor with a link to join the class meeting!

Scholarship Information

Thanks to the excellent literary citizenship of our donors, scholarships are available for all GrubStreet classes. To apply, click the gray "APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP" button. In order to be considered for a scholarship, you must complete your application at least one week before the start date of a class. Please await our scholarship committee's decision before registering for the class. We cannot hold spots in classes, so the sooner you apply, the better. Scholarships cannot be applied retroactively.

For more more detailed information about GrubStreet scholarships, including how to contribute to scholarship funds for other students, click here.