A Fiction Workshop
Level: All Levels
Plot has often been treated as an afterthought in MFA programs, as if it were beneath the attention of a “literary” writer. But no matter how beautiful a writer’s language may be, their work is unlikely to be read unless it also has a compelling plot that keeps the reader turning the pages.
How can writers create fiction with a driving narrative, the right amount of tension, and a sequence of events that propel the story forward, without sacrificing attention to language or their characters’ depth and emotional lives?
In this workshop, participants will learn to write plot by focusing first on the difference between story and plot. The class will then examine the traditional three-act and five-act plot structures and discuss why these models are effective, as well as how writers can diverge from them to find a structure that fits their own style and cultural lens. Participants will learn how to create narrative drive through conflict stemming from their characters’ choices and circumstances, how to maintain tension by manipulating the sequence of events and altering narrative speed, and how to braid together their main plot with believable sub-plots to create a cohesive whole.
Through prompts and a few writing exercises, participants will then generate and/or explore the elements of plot in their own work. Everyone will leave with specific tools for how to create plot in fiction that is both suspenseful and reflective of their characters’ human struggles and emotional lives.
*Attendees’ manuscripts will not be reviewed in this workshop. This workshop will be generative (via exercises) and provide strategies for attendees to deploy on their work.
+ PLEASE NOTE This workshop will occur 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 25th 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.
Marjan Kamali is the award-winning author of The Stationery Shop (Gallery Books/Simon & Schuster), a national bestseller, and Together Tea (EccoBooks/HarperCollins), a Massachusetts Book Award finalist. She is a 2022 recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts Creative Writing Fellowship.Kamali’s novels are published in translation in more than 20 languages and The Stationery Shop is being adapted into a TV series at HBO.Kamali holds a bachelor’s degree in English literature from the University of California, Berkeley, an MBA from Columbia University, and a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from New York University. She teaches creative writing at GrubStreet.
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 12 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