A Two-Part Workshop on Backstory & Other Narrative Elements in Fiction
Saturdays, March 6 & 13
Level: All Levels
Fiction writers, especially novelists, often focus on writing scenes, which function to move a story forward. But what about the other elements of narrative—summary, exposition, interiority, and commentary—the ones that add depth and nuance and increase reader engagement with characters and situations? Think of Mrs. Dalloway without interior monologue, or The Great Gatsby if Jay Gatsby’s backstory was simply plunked in the first chapter. This class will focus on how to effectively deploy these narrative elements.
We will consider the question of when to include backstory (and how much), and will explore ways to integrate scene with summary and interiority without losing narrative momentum. The role of “telling”—commentary and exposition—will also be examined. We will read and discuss Ethan Canin’s short story, “The Year of Getting to Know Us,” along with selected novel excerpts.
The first session on March 6 will focus on concepts and examples from the readings; during the second session on March 13, participants will give and receive feedback on their writing.
+ SUBMIT After registering, participants are asked to submit a section of a work-in-progress (ideally one that contains a key scene) of up to 2500 words, which includes either flashback(s), a character’s emotional response/thoughts, and/or necessary exposition, by no later than 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 25. Please take this deadline and word limit seriously as late submissions likely cannot be accepted, and excess words will be cut. Please note that these manuscripts will be distributed in advance via email to the other workshop participants. Please email the manuscript to hannah@mainewriters.org with the subject line: “WHITON WORKSHOP MSS.” Please use standard formatting (1” margins, double-spaced, 12 pt font). *Word docs (ideally) or PDFs only, please.
+ PLEASE NOTE This workshop will occur online, using the video meeting platform Zoom. Students do not need to create an account to participate, but should test out Zoom before their class if they are first-time users. On Thursday, March 4, from 5:30pm to 6:30pm, MWPA’s Hannah Perry will offer a test session on Zoom. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in the test session, which usually takes only 5-10 minutes, and those who do not are responsible for ensuring that they are able to use Zoom on their own. The week of the workshop, students will be emailed a link that they may click to enter the test session and the class.
+ REQUIRED EQUIPMENT A reliable, fast internet connection (broadband wired or wireless (3G or 4G/LTE), speakers & a microphone (built-in or USB plug-in), and a webcam (built-in or USB plug-in).
If you would like to quickly and easily test your internet connection and your computer’s compatibility with Zoom, click HERE. Full details on supported Operating Systems, internet browsers, and more can be found HERE. To download and familiarize yourself with Zoom, click HERE.
Writer and editor Tanya Whiton’s fiction has recently been featured in Collateral, CutBank, Fanzine, The Cincinnati Review, and Al Pie de la Letra. In 2017, Tanya won second prize in Zoetrope: All Story’s Short Fiction Contest. She is also the co-writer and an associate producer of the documentary feature THE ZEN SPEAKER: BREAKING THE SILENCE. A former Associate Director of the Solstice MFA in Creative Writing Program, Tanya teaches creative writing and professional development skills for writers, and has created seminars for the Solstice MFA Program, Maine Writers & Publishers Alliance, Lesley University, and the Stonecoast Writers’ Conference. Visit: tanyakwhiton.com
ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED
All MWPA workshops require advanced registration. We accept registration by phone, mail, and online via PayPal. We cannot guarantee registration in the final 24-hours before a workshop, and can rarely accommodate day-of registration.
PAYMENT & CANCELLATION POLICIES
If you need to withdraw from a class after registering for any reason, please email or call the MWPA immediately. You may be eligible for a partial refund or credit, depending on how far in advance you cancel. → MORE INFORMATION
QUESTIONS
For any questions regarding this workshop, please contact Hannah Perry at hannah@mainewriters.org.
REGISTER BY PHONE
Call 207-228-8263 and register with your VISA or MasterCard.
REGISTER BY MAIL
If you prefer to pay by mail, please print this registration form (downloadable PDF) and mail it to the MWPA with a check or credit card information. Please note that mail delivery to the MWPA office is currently experiencing extensive delays, so please email hannah@mainewriters.org first if you would like to register by mail.
SCHOLARSHIP
The MWPA is proud to offer one full scholarship to this workshop for members-only. Scholarships are awarded on a combination of need and merit. Application Due on February 22 at 9:00 a.m.
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MWPA WORKSHOP POLICIES
Registration in any MWPA workshop, program, or event constitutes your agreement to our terms and conditions. → MORE INFORMATION