This workshop is full. To be added to the waitlist, email Meghan at programs@mainewriters.org.
ALL LEVELS
Writing a novel (or a narrative memoir) is an intellectual feat akin to spinning multiple plates in the air without letting them crash to the ground. It involves creating on the sentence level and conceiving on the whole-book level—and anyone who's ever done it knows how hard that can be. You have to keep your story moving and also make sure your character motivations and actions are clear and logical, all while thinking of the balance between scene and summary, POV, and that elusive quality of voice. That's why many people rely on outlines as a way to hang their story on a framework that makes sense to them. But that kind of outline isn't for everyone. It can feel stifling to creativity because everything is planned out by the beat. What if you could get that big picture of your book in a way that still gives plenty of scope for the remarkable things that happen on the page when you're in the zone? Something that's more like a guideline than a set-in-stone rulebook? That's the magic—and power—of the “Inside Outline”.
In this workshop, Dunlap will get you started on your own “Inside Outline”, which can help you at any point in your process. It's useful for thinking through the story before you write, for getting you out of a stuck spot in the middle, and for gearing up to see what you need to do in a revision or rewrite. Writers of any level can benefit from this tool. Dunlap will start with a brief presentation and explanation, then the class will break into small groups while you do the first part of your outlines. The class will come together to share and talk about the challenges, then break for lunch. Afterwards, you'll have more time to either continue or revise your work from the morning, and in the last hour, Dunlap will live coach three volunteers. Once you get the hang of this versatile tool, you'll be able to use it not just on the whole-book level, but even to map out scenes you're having problems with. And the best part of the “Inside Outline” is that it's a working document that you can change as things change while you're writing forward.
+ PLEASE NOTE This workshop will occur online via Zoom and is 12-4 pm Eastern Standard Time. 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 9th 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.
Susanne Dunlap is the award-winning author of twelve historical novels and an Author Accelerator Certified Book Coach. Her YA historical novel, The Musician’s Daughter, was a Junior Library Guild Selection and a Bank Street Children's Book of the Year. Her forthcoming novel, The Portraitist: A Novel Of Adélaide Labille-Guiard will be published on August 30 by She Writes Press. Susanne has a PhD in Music History from Yale University, and lives in Biddeford, Maine.
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. Application Due on January 4 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