Winter 2005 Workshops at Writers & Books

Fiction

Year-Long Novel Critique Workshop

• WA5-F16
• 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of each month, 6–8:30 pm
• January – November 2005
• $620 W&B members / $650 general public
• Instructor: Nick DiChario

Writing a novel is hard work. This course embraces the everyday reality of it.

Students in this workshop will meet twice a month for a year and bring eight pages per session of their novels-in-progress to read aloud in class. The instructor will guide a group critique session focused on various elements of the novel such as characterization, dialogue, plot, pacing, style, and the “deeper meanings” as directly related to student work.

Class discussions will motivate students to write, help them think critically, and keep them on course throughout the year. By the end of the workshop, participants may expect to develop better writing habits, see a signficant portion of their novels completed, and walk away with the confidence to finish.

Due to the nature of this course, enrollment is limited to eight students. Permission from the instructor may be required.

Writing and/or Illustrating Children’s Picture Books

• WA5-C13
• Six Tuesdays, March 22 – May 3, 7–9 pm
• No class April 19
• $108 W&B members / $119 general public
• Instructor: Will Hubbell

This course is intended for people interested in creating picture books as writers, illustrators, or both. Emphasis will be on how words and visuals interact to create successful picture books.

The course will include a survey of this unique literary medium, sessions on the nuts and bolts of creating and submitting picture books, critique sessions, and information on the practical aspects of being a working writer and/or illustrator.

Writing Erotic Fiction

• WA5-F33
• One Saturday, March 26, 10 am–1 pm
• $33 W&B members / $39 general public
• Instructor: Patricia Ryan

In all genres—literary, mainstream, suspense, horror, romance, even science fiction and fantasy—there are plots in which the characters’ sexuality takes center stage.

Eroticism, whether subtle or graphic, can add a compelling dimension to your writing. It also sells! Publishers everywhere are seeking manuscripts with erotic content.

There is more to writing erotic fiction than learning the “tricks” of the trade, one must also understand the “sensual touch.”

Students must be at least eighteen years old to attend this workshop.

Writing the Commercial Novel

• WA5-F34
• One Saturday, April 9, 10 am–4 pm
• $54 W&B members / $59 general public
• Instructors: Patricia Ryan and Pamela Burford

The majority of novels published today are commercial—often defined as popular fiction—a category that includes mystery and suspense, science fiction and fantasy, romance, women’s fiction, horror, and general mainstream literature. Their purpose is to entertain, and this workshop is designed to help students strike that all-important balance between art and commerce.

The instructors will cover classic storytelling techniques, reader and editor expectations, genre conventions, and tips for marketing your novel. This is not a critique workshop. The class consists mainly of lecture and Q&A, taught by twin sisters who are multipublished novelists.

(Everything You’ve Always Wanted to Know About Publishing is a great companion to this course. Register for both at the same time and receive an additional 10% discount on both workshops.)

Everything You’ve Always Wanted to Know About Publishing but Were Afraid to Ask

• WA5-B29
• One Saturday, March 5, 10 am–1 pm
• $33 W&B members / $39 general public
• Instructor: Patricia Ryan

A multi-published novelist and former publishing professional tells all in this torrid expose about publishing:

• How to prepare and submit your manuscript; industry customs and etiquette;
• the economics of publishing and whether you can make a living writing books (yes);
• the necessity of an agent and how to get one;
• pitfalls and scams;
• electronic publishing and subsidy publishing;
• what’s hot and what’s not;
• how to craft a winning pitch and query letter;
• what the heck a synopsis really is and how to write one (with samples!).

Of interest across all genres, students will learn the publishing process from manuscript to bookstore. Bring your notebooks and questions. This is not a critique workshop.

(Writing the Commercial Novel is a great companion to this course. Register for both at the same time and receive an additional 10% discount on both workshops.)

Fiction in a Flash

• WA5-F76
• One Saturday, February 5, 10 am–1 pm
• $39 W&B members / $45 general public
• Instructor: Antonio Vallone

Literary and general interest magazines everywhere are looking for short-short fiction, also known as micro, fast, furious, skinny, miniscule, sudden, or postcard fiction.

In this workshop students will learn the principles of getting the most out of the least. You’ll have an opportunity to read some published examples in the genre and practice writing some flash fiction of your own.

Students should come to class with two short-short fictions and copies enough for the entire class. Join the editor and publisher of MAMMOTH books for this workshop.

(Required text included in workshop fee, The MAMMOTH Book of Miniscule Fiction, will be provided on day of class.)

Check our Calendar of Events for Antonio’s reading on Friday evening, February 4!

Science Fiction & Fantasy Writing Workshop

• WA5-F77
• Eight Wednesdays, March 2 – April 20, 7–9 pm
• $159 W&B members / $179 general public
• Instructor: Nancy Kress

Science fiction and fantasy stories, in bookstores and on the big screen, are more popular than ever. Whether you are interested in writing short stories or novels, this workshop will guide you through the challenges of writing tales of science fiction (that extrapolate upon existing scientific theory) and fantasy stories (that are a true departure from reality).

Learn all about the genres and sub genres that make up this thriving literature, as well as how to market your work to appropriate publishers. Participants are expected to have at least a first draft of a short story or one chapter of a novel to share with the group for constructive in-class critique sessions.

Novel Therapy

• WA5-F35
• Six Thursdays,, April 7 – May 12, 7–9 pm
• $108 W&B members / $119 general public
• Instructor: Kathryn Larrabee

Bring a section of your novel to this workshop for theraputic treatment and constructive analysis. The instructor will guide students through the elements of good fiction, including characterization, plot, setting, and handling thematic issues in modern, contemporary literature.

On the first evening of class, students should come prepared to hand out a brief one or two page synopsis or rough outline of their novels (enough copies for everyone). Although the first session is dedicated mainly to lecture and discussion, the focus of this workshop falls upon student work, with improvement and encouragement in mind. Each student will have an opportunity to critique and be critiqued.

Writing the Short Story

• WA5-F36
• Five Mondays, April 4 – May 2, 6:30–8:30 pm
• $99 W&B members / $110 general public
• Instructor: Steven Huff

This workshop will help students interested in writing short stories improve their narration and dialogue, successfully develop new story ideas, and generally hone their skills. Learning to weave the elements of fiction together is often the essential step in mastering the art of fiction and preparing a writer for publication.

Students will have the opportunity to critique and be critiqued. In-class participation and discussion will assist writers of all levels in becoming better storytellers.

You are here > Home > Winter 2005 Seminars, Courses & Workshops > Fiction