Workshop on Dialogue in Fiction
Well-written dialogue not only captures the unique, specific voices of fictional characters, but can also help a writer structure and revise scenes. It can be used to contribute to character development, to summarize situations, and to reveal emotional subtext, particularly when in direct contrast with a character’s actions.
In this workshop, participants will explore these different functions of dialogue. Using a series of examples from literature and film, the class will analyze and discuss a variety of approaches to getting at the real rhythms and content of what people say. Participants will write dialogue of their own and examine how it can add depth and nuance to stories and novels.
+ PLEASE BRING Participants are asked to bring a one-two paragraph printed description of a character from their own writing.
+ 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, June 4, from 5:00pm to 6:00pm, MWPA’s Hannah Perry will be available for a test session on Zoom. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in the test session, 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.
Writer and editor Tanya Whiton’s fiction has recently been featured in The Cincinnati Review, Al Pie de la Letra, Fanzine, CutBank, and Collateral. Her story “Up” was nominated for the 2018 Best Microfiction Anthology, and she won second prize in Zoetrope: All Story’s 2017 Short Fiction Contest. Her short story “Atlantic Window in a New England Character” was selected as a finalist for the 2019 Tennessee Williams Contest.
A two-time recipient of the Martin Dibner Memorial Fellowship for Maine writers, Tanya has also received New England Press Association Awards for her nonfiction work. In collaboration with photographer Heidi Killion, she published Two for the Road: Adventures in Maine—a collection of travel essays—in 2014.
Tanya teaches creative writing and professional development skills for writers, and has created seminars for the Solstice MFA in Creative Writing Program, Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance, Lesley University, and the Stonecoast Writers’ Conference. She previously served as the Associate Director of the Solstice MFA in Creative Writing Program for nearly a decade.
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.
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 May 25 at 9:00 a.m. → MORE INFORMATION
MWPA WORKSHOP POLICIES
Registration in any MWPA workshop, program, or event constitutes your agreement to our terms and conditions. → MORE INFORMATION