A 2-Day Novel Writing Workshop
Wednesdays, March 5 & 12, 6 - 8 PM
In humanity's darkest times, from feudalism to absolute monarchy to slavery, there have always been those who said things would never--could never--change, and those who dreamt, and fought, for a brighter future. The history of our species isn't yet written, but so far, the dreamers have always won.
In this seminar we will discuss the role of writers and artists in times of uncertainty, and we will study the underused craft elements of hope and utopia for use in fiction of all types.
Although we will be focusing primarily on climate fiction, the discussion and activities will be tailored for fiction of all genres. We will study the role of hope and optimism in kick-starting a narrative engine, and building momentum through a story or novel. We will also look at hope as a trait central to humankind, and therefore a craft tool to help create dynamic, believable characters. We will question ways that collective experiences (protests, movements, picket lines, sports games, dances, religion, mutual aid, etc) are baked into some of our most profound lived experiences, and yet often missing in contemporary literature, and we will discuss how we might remedy this in our writing to better connect with the reader. Lastly, the seminar will touch on the works of early hopeful literature, such as Octavia Butler and Ursula K. Le Guin, and also examine the ways in which dystopia can flatten character and the narrative experience.
$100 Members/$145 Nonmembers
Nick Fuller Googins is the author of the novel, The Great Transition. His short fiction and essays have appeared in The Paris Review, Men’s Health, The Sun, The Los Angeles Times, and elsewhere. He lives in Maine, and works as an elementary school teacher. He is a proud member of the Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance, as well as the National Education Association, the largest labor union in the country.
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 programs@mainewriters.org.
REGISTER BY PHONE
Call 207-200-7180 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 partial scholarship to this workshop for members-only. Scholarships are awarded on a combination of need and merit. Email programs@mainewriters.org to see if the scholarship is still available. Application Due by February 15 at 9:00 a.m.
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MWPA WORKSHOP POLICIES
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