Class Description
Storytelling is not just important for the human mind,"" E.O. Wilson said; ""it IS the human mind."" If this is true, then voice and point of view are the storytelling modes in which the human mind is made manifest. And sometimes, a minor shift or adjustment in one of these modes can make the difference between a story that doesn’t quite work and one that really clicks.
In this craft-oriented class, we’ll analyze passages written by a number of classic and contemporary fiction writers to explore the advantages and pitfalls of different voices and points of view. We’ll make an important distinction between point of view and psychic distance, and we’ll discuss the challenges, dilemmas, and opportunities that different perspectives and styles present. In a series of targeted writing exercises, we’ll apply what we’ve learned to our own novels. Participants should bring in a selection of scenes or passages from their works-in-progress that they don’t mind rewriting
Part of GrubStreet's Novel Revision Series, led by Tim Weed and designed for those who have either finished or are nearing completion of a novel draft. Take every class in the series or simply choose the craft topics that are relevant to the revision challenges you face with your novel in progress. Classes include:
- Novel Revision Series: Zeroing in on Genre and Theme
- Novel Revision Series: Dramatic Structure & Narrative Drive
- Novel Revision Series: Descriptive Writing & Image Systems
- Novel Revision Series: Interiority, Backstory & Flashback
- Novel Revision Series: Point of View & Psychic Distance
- Novel Revision Series: Dialogue & the Scene
- Novel Revision Series: Minor & Supporting Characters
- Novel Revision Series: Killer Openings & Symphonic Endings
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. Please visit the Resources tab to access the video-conference link.
Zoom Participation:
Students are not required to turn their camera on, but are encouraged to participate any way they feel comfortable through functions such as the live chat, emoji reactions, and unmuting the microphone. Learn more about using Zoom here.
Zoom Accessibility:
We ask that instructors enable closed captioning and send a transcript of the session after class. You can also enable closed captioning at any time during the meeting. If your instructor forgets to send the transcript, just send ’em an email!