Class Description
This is a craft intensive class on pacing. We will examine flashbacks ("rewind"), accelerating the dramatic action ("fast forward"), the art of when and how to linger in a scene ("pause"), and how to negotiate transitions (so that we can smoothly resume "play"). We will explore different methods of narration and how point of view affects pacing. Using concrete examples from fiction and memoir, we will unpack strategies for how to best deliver information so that the reader stays hooked.
During the second half of this class, we will workshop a sample anonymous piece I will bring in as a case study. We will use this to assess pacing, and to consider the different approaches we have just explored. Students will get to try out narrative techniques on the case study for a real-time analysis of how timing decisions affect the reader's experience.
Students can expect to leave this class armed with concrete tools, from seamless incorporation of flashbacks to demarcated scenes, tips at the line level to hit the gas or the brakes, and how to know which is called for.
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.
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.