Upcoming Events › Fiction

When writing a novel, we must know our primary characters inside and out. We need to understand their desires, motivations, and frustrations, their histories and their futures. This workshop will focus on the development of authentic characters. Participants will examine character as both autonomous and residing within the context of the other novelistic elements, and [...]

You have a great idea for a story. Do you dive in and just begin writing, or start by drafting an outline? Are you a born planner or a writer who loves to discover stories organically (i.e., a pantser)? Understanding how to structure a well-conceived story around a main character and central conflict, while paying [...]

Pretty much all fiction runs on mystery and suspense, often both. We read stories because we want to know what’s going to happen next. This workshop places a special emphasis on mystery and suspense created by compelling characters involved in believable action. To this end, participants will concentrate on character development, structure, pace, tension, plot, [...]

Whether you are an organized planner or a writer who flies by the seat of their pants, a novel still needs structure. In this four-week online workshop, participants will study the architecture of a novel and devise plans for plotting their novels. Required text: Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell and Hooked by Les [...]

Writing a novel takes commitment, but it doesn’t need to be daunting. Learn how to generate a handful of plots from which to choose, methods for effectively planning your story, and simple hacks for fine tuning your basic fiction skills. Participants will initiate a flexible writing plan that will keep their writing flowing. This is [...]

The global pandemic has completely altered the way businesses and individuals work, and this includes writers. Many find themselves with small pockets of time to write, in place of longer stretches to which they were previously accustomed. Through both exercises and strategizing (and a bit of cheerleading), this class will guide participants in working toward [...]

In this course we will study what constructs the world of the short story: pain, happiness, fear, love, desire, anger, and menace. You will write your characters, settings, and scenes with a focus on your organic voice and style. This workshop is for character-focused craft and storytellers. Our focus will be on narratives that grip [...]

It's often said that without conflict there is no story. It also holds true that strengthening the conflict in any type of fiction will bump up the tension and turn limp, ordinary fiction into an extraordinary tale that will keep readers turning pages. Whether you choose to write literary fiction, mysteries, family sagas, thrillers, historical [...]

When writing a novel, we must know our primary characters inside and out. We need to understand their desires, motivations, and frustrations, their histories and their futures. This workshop will focus on the development of authentic characters. Participants will examine character as both autonomous and residing within the context of the other novelistic elements, and [...]

Revision is a dirty word to some writers. But you needn’t fear the challenges of polishing a manuscript before submission and publication. This fast-paced, half-day class focuses on the ten most common mistakes and concerns, often overlooked by authors before they send their story out into the world. Everything you do to your manuscript after [...]

Whether you are an organized planner or a writer who flies by the seat of their pants, a novel still needs structure. In this four-week online workshop, participants will study the architecture of a novel and devise plans for plotting their novels. Required text: Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell and Hooked by Les [...]