Novel in Progress: Section B

First drafts of novels can be messy, amorphous, and daunting. Some writers feel that extensive critical feedback can be counterproductive before the first draft is finished, yet they find themselves losing their 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 guidance and 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.

Authors discussed in this class may include:

• Ernest Hemingway
• Edith Wharton
• Phillip Pullman
• Hilary Mantel
• J.R.R. Tolkien
• Anthony Doerr
• Leslie Marmon Silko
• Cormac McCarthy
• Patrick O'Brian

Note: This class will not take place on June 11th.