Class Description
There are common issues in fiction that rob work of its energy. There are also simple ways and techniques that make fiction stronger and more sophisticated. This seminar will take the group through these methods, examining concepts such as: What does showing vs. telling really mean? How can you present your character without resorting to stereotypes and having them gaze into mirrors? Is your point of view pitch perfect and well chosen? Is your dialogue moving the plot, telling the story, and showing who your characters are? How’s your stage business? Use of white space? Proportion?
We will examine all the above, along with micro and macro construction and mechanics of your fiction, through discussion, lecture, and in-class exercises. Students should bring the first few pages of their novel and be prepared to have it read aloud. This class will be useful for all who want to bring their fiction to a more complex level. Students should bring writing implements (whether computer, pen and paper, or ink and quill) and index cards.
Part of GrubStreet's Elements of Craft series, dedicated to exploring craft issues on a deeper level. For more on this series' offerings, 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. 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!