Class Description
Want to learn how to write captivating prose? In this unconventional workshop, we’ll explore concrete strategies for crafting beautiful sentences in fiction and non-fiction. We’ll look closely at how to harness core elements such as vocabulary and syntax to fine-tune every phrase, and how to play with rhythm, rhyme, assonance, and other techniques to imbue your prose with a musicality that will bring your words to life. Each week, you’ll submit two pages of an essay or a story for workshop; your fellow workshoppers will select what they believe to be your strongest sentence and offer thoughtful feedback on why it works. Gaining a clearer understanding of what you do well, you’ll revise your other sentences to match your strongest, aiming for two pages of sparkling prose by the end of the course, which you’ll submit to the instructor for an in-depth final critique. Those two pages will serve as your guide for refining every sentence in your story or essay—and in all of your stories to come. Through focused craft lectures, workshop, class discussions, optional prompts, and many examples from the work of contemporary authors, we’ll work toward a collective understanding of what makes great sentences sing. You’ll leave class with a deeper appreciation of your strengths as a writer and a bevy of practical strategies for transforming your prose.
*NOTE that while our handy dandy "Schedule" tab states a 6-7pm class time, there are actually no live meetings for this class! Assignments will be given on a weekly basis. Students will have access to the online class portal starting at 5pm on the first day of class. Instructions for logging onto the online portal will be emailed to registered students before 5pm 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.
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.