FULL/WAIT LIST ONLY
A Fiction Workshop
Level: All Levels
Point of view is fundamental to fiction. It shapes everything else about a story, from believable characters to the unfolding of plot, and ultimately a reader’s sense of the work’s overarching vision and concerns. But beyond the basics—first person vs. third person vs. omniscient, reliable vs. unreliable—how can writers most effectively employ a perspective that brings their work alive, feels organic and nuanced, and yields genuine surprise for the reader?
Attendees will read excerpts from a variety of authors, including Ethan Canin, Angela Flournoy, Elena Ferrante, Adam Haslett, and Mohsin Hamid, studying the essentials while considering some singular, virtuoso approaches. Techniques we'll explore include the narrowing and widening of aperture, the role of syntax, the balancing of internal and external details, the interplay of multiple POVs, and the concept of narrative distance. In addition to close reading and discussion, attendees will play with perspective via prompts, both to generate new material and to enhance works-in-progress.
+ 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, April 15, 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.
Tim Horvath is the author of Understories (Bellevue Literary Press), which won the New Hampshire Literary Award, and Circulation (sunnyoutside). His fiction has appeared in Conjunctions, AGNI, Harvard Review, and elsewhere, and his book reviews appear in Georgia Review, The Brooklyn Rail, and American Book Review. His novel-in-progress focuses on the lives of contemporary classical composers and musicians. He also teaches for Catapult and GrubStreet, and is Visiting Faculty in the MFA in Writing and Publishing Program at Vermont College of Fine Arts in Spring 2021.
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 April 5 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