Registration for this class is closed.
A Prose Writing Workshop
Level: Intermediate and Advanced
Prose writers, especially those grappling with a book-length narrative, often focus on writing scenes—which function to move a story forward. The emphasis in many workshop discussions is on the present action, and on the meaning of events in the present. But what if understanding the past is essential to making emotional sense of the present? What if your plot has deep roots in the history of a given person, community, or place?
In this class, we will consider the question of when to include the past (and how much), and explore strategies for integrating backstory without losing narrative momentum via writing exercises. We will also discuss Ethan Canin’s short story, “The Year of Getting to Know Us” along with selected short excerpts.
+ SUBMIT Participants will be asked to submit a 3-page section of a work-in-progress that contains a scene or key event from the draft’s backstory. You know the one—you keep trying to trim it down, cut it out, and somehow it keeps sneaking back in. works-in-progress should be submitted as Word docs, no longer than 3 double- spaced pages, paginated, and labeled as follows: Last name, first name, Backstory, Workshop Date. Please send to programs@mainewriters.org with the subject “Whiton Backstory Submission” by Friday November 18th at 9 AM.
+ 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 December 1st 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.
Writer and editor Tanya Whiton’s fiction has recently been featured in Collateral, CutBank, Fanzine, The Cincinnati Review, and Al Pie de la Letra. She is also the co-writer and an associate producer of the documentary feature The Zen Speaker: Breaking the Silence. A former Associate Director of the Solstice MFA in Creative Writing Program, Tanya teaches creative writing and professional development skills for writers, and has created seminars for the Solstice MFA Program, Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance, Lesley University, and the Stonecoast Writers’ Conference. Visit: tanyakwhiton.com
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. Email Meghan at programs@mainewriters.org to see if the scholarship is still available. Application Due by November 12 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