Winter 2006 Workshops at Writers & Books

Fiction

Year-Long Novel Critique Workshop

• WA6-F16
• 22 Thursdays, 6 - 8:30 p.m.
• January 12 through November 30 (second and fourth Thursdays of each month)
• $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 ten pages per session of their novels-in-progress to read aloud in class. The instructor will guide group critique sessions 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 good writing habits, see a significant 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.

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Writing Killer Fiction

• WA6-F38
• 4 Thursdays, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
• January 19 through February 9
• $75 W&B members / $79 general public
• Instructor: Charles Benoit

Who says crime doesn’t pay? With so many mysteries to choose from—police procedurals, cozies, hard-boiled, amateur detectives, classic who-done-its, historicals, capers, comic crime—you’ve got every chance to prove the experts wrong. This four-week writing workshop will explore some of the key elements that make up this exciting and always popular genre, from creating believable characters, realistic dialogue and compelling settings to mapping out your mystery, playing fair with the reader and getting the technical details right. You’ll have the opportunity to share your writing—whether it’s short pieces from a work in progress or things you’ve written specifically for this class—and you’ll hear what publishers and editors are looking for in today’s mystery market.

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Science Fiction and Fantasy Writing Workshop

• WA6-F77
• 8 Tuesdays, 7 –9 pm
• March 7 through April 25
• $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.

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Writing Children’s Books
and Getting Them Published

• WA6-M53
• 6 Tuesdays, 7 - 9 p.m.
• March 7 through April 18 (class won't meet on April 11)
• $113 W&B members / $119 general public
• Instructor: Will Hubbell

This course, intended for aspiring children’s book authors, will have a dual emphasis: the aesthetics of writing for children and the practical concerns of the market. The aesthetics will be addressed in lectures and discussion. The practical aspects of writing will include an investigation of genres, styles, submission procedures, agents, book contracts, and even taxes. Participants will share their manuscripts with the group for constructive in-class critique sessions.

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A Beginner’s Guide to Fiction

• WA6-F21
• 6 Fridays, 4 - 6 p.m.
• March 10 through April 21
• (No class March 31)
• $133 W&B members / $139 general public
• Instructor: Len Messineo

This workshop is for beginning writers who want to learn the craft of fiction from the ground up. The instructor will concentrate on the basic elements of storytelling—plot, character, setting, and theme—as well as how to use dialogue and narrative for dramatic effect. Everyone will have the opportunity to work on writing exercises and assignments in and out of class. Previous writing experience is neither necessary nor expected. This is a great way to experiment, share, learn, and have fun with fiction. (Textbook is included in workshop fee.)

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Writing Erotic Fiction

• WA6-F33
• One Saturday, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• April 8
• $37 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 understand the "sensual touch." (Students must be at least eighteen years old to attend this workshop.)

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