Winter 2008 Workshops at Writers & Books

Fiction

Advanced Fiction

WA8-F01
8 Wednesdays 7–9 p.m.
Jan. 23 through Mar. 12
$159 W&B members / $165 general public
Instructor: Martin Naparsteck

This workshop is designed to help experienced writing students take their fiction to the next level. Character, plot, narration, dialogue, voice, theme, and everything else that goes into the best fiction will be discussed. Participants will have the opportunity to critique and be critiqued in a supportive atmosphere. Participants are expected to have some workshop experience or some practice at writing fiction.

Register Online

Science Fiction and Fantasy Writing Workshop

WA8-F02
8 Wednesday, 7–9 p.m.
Jan. 16 through Mar. 5
$159 W&B members/ $169 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 true departures 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 bring to class 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.

Register Online

“Shut up and drive,” she said: A Dialogue Workshop.

WA8-F03
4 Tuesdays 7 –9 p.m.
Feb. 5 through Feb. 26
$75 W&B members / $80 general public
Instructor: Marty Naparsteck

Good dialogue makes characters in a story sound like real people talking, yet no one in real life talks like a character, even in the best novels. This seeming contradiction can be explained by examining the attributes of good dialogue. This workshop will offer a combination of lectures, readings, and exercises (mostly exercises) designed to help you write dialogue that both sounds real and moves your story forward.

Register Online

Storyboarding for Fiction Writers 

WA8-F04
1 Saturday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Apr. 5
$35 W&B members / $39 general public
Instructor: Len Messineo

Storyboarding is an often-overlooked weapon in the fiction writer’s arsenal. It can be invaluable in planning a work or critiquing a completed draft. The instructor will explore various ways to establish a storyboard using  paper or software, and examine ways to ensure that a story has a well-plotted arc, thematic coherence, a clear through-line, and adequate character development.

Register Online

Get Shorty!

WA8-F05
8 Mondays, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Mar. 17–May 5
$159 W&B members / $165 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 the class will be dedicated to discussing ways to hone student manuscripts for publication with precise editing and story-telling principles. Writing between sessions will be encouraged.

Register Online

Confessing for Cash

WA8-F06
3 Thursdays, 6–8 p.m.
Jan. 24 through Feb. 7
$56 W&B members / $59 general public
Instructor: Robbi Hess

Time to ‘fess up! Students who have a “True Story” to tell, or a “True Romance” that sizzles will learn to sculpt their vivid imagination into “True Confessions” for fun and profit. Confession magazines pay top dollar, and editors say they are scrambling for people who can write them. Learn how to craft a query, where to find ideas, and how to prepare your manuscript for submission.

Course Canceled

Rewriting the Novel in a Year

WA8-F07
6–8:30 p.m., 1st & 3rd Monday of each month
Beginning Jan. 7
$620 W&B members / $650 general public
Instructor: Nick DiChario

Writing a novel is hard work. Rewriting a novel is when the fun begins! This course, modeled after the Year-Long Novel Critique Workshop, embraces the challenge of trimming, tightening, fleshing out, reshaping, and spit-shining your novel for publication. Students will meet twice a month for the year, bringing a portion of their novels to read and discuss in class. The group will concentrate on problems and solutions specific to rewriting rather than generating new material. A completed first draft of a book is required, and at least one previous year's experience in the Year-Long Novel Critique Workshop (or permission from the instructor). By the end of the year, students may expect to have a more polished and publishable novel ready for submission.

Closed Course

The Year-Long Novel Critique Workshop

WA8-F08
6–8:30 p.m., 2nd & 4th Monday of each month
Beginning Jan. 14
$620 W&B members / $650 general public
Instructor: Nick DiChario

Writing a novel is hard work. This course embraces the everyday realities of it. Students will meet twice a month for the year, bringing a portion 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 character development, dialogue, plot, pacing, style, and the "deeper meanings" as directly related to student work. Class discussions will motivate students to continue writing and help writers to think critically and stay on course throughout the year. By the end of the workshop, students should see significant portions of their novels completed and will have gained the confidence to finish.

Waiting List Only

You are here > Home > Winter 2008 Seminars, Courses & Workshops > Fiction