Novel Builder: Endings (Online)

Class Description

When it comes to writing a novel, one of the most daunting tasks is figuring out how to stick the landing. Coming up with an ending that is emotionally impactful, structurally sound, and ties the plot together in a logical way, is much harder than it looks. How do you bring together all those subplots you introduced? How do you resolve your story in a way that is effective, but not predictable or stale? What makes for a memorable ending?

In this course, we will explore all of these questions and more as we write our way into our novel endings. We'll demystify the concept of an ending by taking it apart and exploring all its elements, delving into aspects of craft like rhyming action, the emotional plot, thematic arcs, and much more. Each week, we will focus on a different aspect of endings––either a specific scene, or an element of craft, or both––and engage in readings and exercises to help apply what we learn to our own work. At the end of each week, you will write and submit a scene, focusing on the scenes leading up the ending, and, of course, the ending scene itself. Twice throughout the course, you will have the opportunity to submit a scene for feedback from the instructor and your fellow writers. At the end of six weeks, we'll discuss your project as a whole, and where to go from here––whether you're still working up to an ending, or embarking on revision.

You will leave this class with six new scenes, an expanded knowledge of the the craft and structure of novel-writing, and a better sense of your novel's ending.

**This class is part of the Novel Builder Online series. Other options include Novel Builder: the Murky Middle, and Novel Builder: Endings.

*NOTE that while our handy dandy "Schedule" tab states a 6-7pm class time, there are actually no live meetings for this class! Weekly lessons and assignments open each Wednesday. Students will receive an invitation to Wet Ink, our online class platform, before 5pm on the first day of class.

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.