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Writing It Forward: Momentum in Crafting Your Novel

This workshop is full and registration has closed.

A 5 Week Fiction Workshop

Tuesdays, November 8th-December 6th

Level: All Levels

There’s power in accruing pages, and too often as writers we get in our own way. This generative course will tackle one of the hardest elements of novel writing: writing forward towards a finished draft. How do we maintain momentum when doubt emerges, when we are struggling with uncooperative characters, or when we are juggling multiple potential plot lines? Over the course of five weeks, we will focus on craft elements to propel us through the process of writing a novel, looking at how different elements of our novel can be excavated to find strengths, sure up loose ends, and continually move us ahead in the drafting process. We will focus on: character building to deepen narrative layering; perspective choices and flexible thought; understanding lines of tension (plot)—short, long, and in-between; using narrative modes (scene versus exposition) to maintain momentum; and the power of atmosphere, environment, and place in building mood and tension, but also in keeping us invested as writers. Over the course of five weeks, students will assemble notes and pages for their own novel. While we won’t finish an entire novel during the course, we can make substantive progress towards a draft and the completion of an outline.

+ PLEASE NOTE This workshop will occur online via 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 November 3rd 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.


Gregory Brown is the author of the novel, The Lowering Days. His stories have appeared in Tin House, The Alaska Quarterly Review, Shenandoah, Epoch, and Narrative Magazine, where he was a 30Below 30 winner. His non-fiction has appeared in the New York Times, the Chicago Tribune, LitHub, The Rumpus, and The Millions. A graduate of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, he has received fellowships from the Bread Loaf Writers' Conference, the Napa Valley Writers' Conference, the Sewanee Writers' Conference, and MacDowell. He grew up along Penobscot Bay and still lives in Maine with his family.


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. The workshop scholarship slot has been filled.
→ MORE INFORMATION

MWPA WORKSHOP POLICIES
Registration in any MWPA workshop, program, or event constitutes your agreement to our terms and conditions. → MORE INFORMATION

Earlier Event: November 5
From Research to Writing
Later Event: November 12
Memoir Generator