Spring 2007 Workshops at Writers & Books

Fiction

Get Shorty!

• SA7-F101
• 6 Mondays 6:30 –8:30 p.m.
• May 14–June 25 (No class Memorial Day, May 28)
• $119 W&B members / $125 general public
• Instructor: Len Messineo

Literary and general interest magazines everywhere are clamoring for short-short fiction, also known as micro, fast, furious, skinny, miniscule, or postcard fiction. In this workshop students will look at successful short-shorts and their use of plot, character, dialogue, and conflict. The larger part of this will be dedicated to discussing ways to hone student manuscripts for publication with storytelling principles and precise editing. Writing between sessions will be encouraged.

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Advanced Fiction

• SA7-F102
• 6 Thursdays, 7–9 p.m.
• April 26 through May 3
• $119 W&B members / $125 general public
• Instructor: Martin Naparsteck

This workshop is designed to help experienced writing students take their fiction to the next level. The instructor will focus on integrating character and plot, improving narration and dialogue, developing voice and theme, and generally polishing manuscripts for publication. Students will have the opportunity to critique and be critiqued in a supportive atmosphere. Participants are expected to have previous workshop experience or some years of practice at writing fiction.

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Writing the Young Adult Novel II

• SA7-F103
• 6 Thursdays, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
• April 26 through May 31
• $113 W&B members / $119 general public
• Instructor: Jonathan Rich

You’ve read a number of young adult novels, you’ve written a story or two (you may even have taken the first section of this class “Writing the ‘Young Adult’ Novel”), and now what you most need in order to continue your adventure is the energy, camaraderie, and instruction that you can get from a writing class designed to guide you in this exciting genre. Although planned as a continuation of the previous class, you can come as a new student if you have written at least one story or a rough-draft of a chapter. As before, there will be readings from great works of YA fiction, sharing of student writings, and essential tips on revision and careful crafting. For ages 16 through adult.

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Science Fiction and Fantasy Writing Workshop

• SA7-F104
• 8 Wednesday, 7–9 p.m.
• April 11 through May 30
• $149 W&B members / $159 general public
• Instructor: Nancy Kress

Science fiction stories—in print, audio, 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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Write a Scene—Write a Novel

• SA7-F105
  6 Mondays, 7–9 p.m.
  April 30 through June 11 (No class on Memorial Day, May 28)
  $119 W&B members / $125 general public
  Instructor: Deb McLeod

Discover the structure of scenes. Much like a play, the scene can be structure in three acts. In this intensive workshop we’ll look at how three-act scenes work and how to create one. You’ll storyboard and structure a scene of your own designed to propel the narrative forward.

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The Finer Tools of Fiction Writing

• SA7–F106
• 5 Wednesdays 7–9 p.m.
• May 16 through June 13
• $95 W&B members / $99 general public
• Instructor: Deb McLeod

This class is for fiction writers who are looking to refine their craft. We’ll explore point of view and the privilege of information, narrative distance, subtextual dialogue, and pacing. We'll pick apart published works in class and imitate. You’ll learn how to blueprint a story so you can see why the work you love is the work you love.

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For the Love of It All: A Romance Writing Seminar

• SA7-F107
• One Saturday, noon–3 p.m.
• May 12
• $36 W&B members / $39 general public
• Instructor: Kathryn Shay

You’ve got a romance novel in your heart and you’re looking for the right inspiration to make you get busy writing it. This class is for you. The instructor, romance novelist Kathryn Shay, will share her experiences, techniques and knowledge of the art that have made her one of the most successful romance writers in the country. If you want to write romance, this may be the most useful three hours you will spend this year. Don’t miss it.

Register online

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