Class Description
In this seminar, writers from all backgrounds will learn the essentials of writing, revising and completing a novella manuscript, while also examining and discussing the unique considerations of the novella form. In discussing craft essentials, we will also read excerpts from novellas by authors such as Jacqueline Woodson, Haruki Murakami and Banana Yoshimoto.
Through a series of craft-based prompts and examples, writers will have the opportunity to discuss, outline, and strategize ideas and approaches in establishing a clear dramatic focus and a strong narrative container for their novella manuscript. They will also have opportunities to propagate new writing and draft essential scenes that make up the narrative arc of a traditional novella-length manuscript. By the end of the seminar, students will have generated a strong inroad into the draft of a novella manuscript. Note: this class also accommodates students who might decide to expand their novella into a traditional-length novel with a practical discussion on the connections between novella and novel writing.
Writing Roadmap: We've created a simple, goal-based writing roadmap to help you find the perfect GrubStreet course for your writing needs.
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 detailed information about GrubStreet scholarships, including how to contribute to scholarship funds for other students, click here.
This class will take place using Zoom videoconferencing. After registering, a yellow Resources tab will appear in this section containing a link to join class. Please note that you will need to be logged into view the Resources tab.
Zoom Participation:
In our experience, the intimate nature of a writing workshop benefits from on-camera participation. Students are of course welcome to turn their camera off whenever they need to, but it is a community norm for cameras to be on most of the time. You can learn more about using Zoom here.
Zoom Accessibility:
You can enable closed captioning at any time during the meeting by clicking the CC button at the bottom of the screen. If you'd like to access the transcript after class, please make sure to let your instructor ahead of time that you'd like a copy.