Novel In Progress

First drafts of novels can be messy, amorphous, and daunting. Sometimes, extensive critical feedback can be counterproductive before the first draft is finished, yet writers often find themselves losing focus without support and guidance. In class, we will do exercises, discuss craft issues—characterization, plot and outlining, point of view, voice, dialogue, setting—and read short scenes from each other's work, providing feedback in an environment that recognizes the specific challenges of the novel in progress. Before the last class, all writers will be invited to submit twenty-five pages of their novels to receive a written critique from the instructor or have a one-on-one meeting to discuss the writer's work with suggested strategies for finishing the manuscript. Novels of all genres are welcome. Please bring the first page (double-spaced) of your novel to the first class.

Please note that this class meets every other Saturday, with a break over the winter holidays. The class will meet on the following dates: