A Fiction Workshop
Level: All Levels
Writers often begin with what they believe is a good idea for a novel, but soon become bogged down by the details and restrictions they have imposed on their creativity by a slavish devotion to that original idea—a common occurrence often resulting in the project being abandoned. The best fiction is character-driven; novels and stories where what the characters say, do, and think, and how they react to what is said, done and thought about them creates the narrative’s energy. In this kind of compelling fiction, characters become defined by how they react to and overcome the obstacles and challenges they face. In short, they become flesh and blood figures for readers who then become invested in them. The reader need not root for or admire a character but do need to care about what happens to them to remain engaged in the narrative. In this seminar we’ll complete two projects that will demonstrate how to infuse energy into a narrative by creating compelling characters whose actions, thoughts, speech and reactions drive the novel’s narrative arc. We will also address why so many novelists hit a wall at about page 100 and discuss strategies for getting back on track. There will be time for questions at the end of the seminar on any aspects of craft or publishing students may wish to discuss.
+ PLEASE NOTE This workshop will take place online via 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 August 18th from 5:30pm to 6:00pm, MWPA staff will offer a tech help session on Zoom. Students are encouraged to attend the tech help session, which usually takes only 5-10 minutes, if they have any tech concerns, use Zoom infrequently, or simply would like to test their connection, 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.
Bruce Pratt is an award-winning short story writer, poet, and playwright. He is the author of the novel The Serpents of Blissfull from Mountain State Press, the poetry collection Boreal from Antrim House Books, The Trash Detail: Stories from New Rivers Press, and the poetry chapbook Forms and Shades from Clare Songbirds Publishing. His fiction, poetry, drama, and essays have appeared in more than forty magazines, reviews, and journals across the United States, and in Canada, Ireland, and Wales. He is the editor of American Fiction.
ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED
All MWPA workshops require advanced registration. We accept registration by phone, mail, and online via our website. 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 Meghan Sterling at programs@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.
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. Email Meghan at programs@mainewriters.org to see if the scholarship is still available. Application Due by August 5th 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