A Workshop on Revising and Submitting Short Fiction
This workshop offers guidance and strategies for writers who are ready to send their fiction out into the world.
In the first half of the course, participants will give and receive feedback on their stories, and will learn revision strategies and techniques for examining their work with critical detachment. The class will also take a close look at two elements of a short story that are crucial for holding the interest of both editors and readers: the first two pages and the 'pay-off' moment.
In the second half of the course, participants will review the process of submitting work; discuss what editors are looking for, and how to find the right fit for their work; and they will draft query letters to call upon when they are ready to submit larger work.
+ SUBMIT After registering, participants are asked to submit a short story or stand-alone novel excerpt of up to 2500 words (double-spaced, 12 pt font, 1” margins) by no later than 5:00 PM on Friday, August 7. 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: “MAXWELL WORKSHOP MSS.” *Word docs (ideally) or PDFs only, please.
+ PLEASE NOTE This workshop will occur online, using the video meeting platform Zoom, which means students may participate from the comfort of their own homes (or anywhere with a reliable, fast internet connection). 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 13 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.
Abi Maxwell is the author of two novels, Lake People (Vintage, 2013) and The Den (Knopf, 2019). Her short fiction and essays have also appeared in McSweeney's, Literary Hub, and Electric Lit. A graduate of the MFA program at the University of Montana, Maxwell returned to her home state of New Hampshire, where she lives with her family, works in her local library, and teaches for GrubStreet in Boston.
The Minneapolis Star Tribune described Lake People as “skillfully executed…Redolent of the secrets that haunt small-town life…Suggests comparison to authors like Marilynne Robinson and Alice Munro.” Maxwell “turns experiences into myths and locales into symbols,” said Pulitzer Prize-winner Jane Smiley. In a starred review, Booklist says The Den is “a deeply satisfying, haunting work of literary fiction. Driven by characters who are uniformly engaging and beautifully realized, it is not to be missed.”
ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED
All MWPA workshops require advanced registration. We accept registration by phone, mail, and online. 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.
SCHOLARSHIPS
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 July 31 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