Fiction

“Big Secret Number One to writing fiction is that you have to make a mess. Many messes,” says instructor Steve Mitchel. “You have to throw truckloads of words down onto the page knowing full well that most of them will end up in the compost... more

“Writers often think of setting as simply the place and time in which events occur, but for me setting is not only the water in which our characters swim, but the driving force behind the narrative,” says instructor Anne Raeff... more

In this two-week class, we will focus on 3rd person-close, probably the most common POV, and discuss when, how, and why to move in closer to a character’s thoughts and when to maintain distance, learning ways to signal this movement clearly... more

What does it take to write a novel? Maybe you have an idea but don’t know what to write, or maybe you’ve written dozens of pages but suddenly feel stuck. What do you need in order to keep showing up to the page... more

In this remote class, you'll develop your skills through reading published writers, discussing the fiction writer’s craft, and doing fun writing exercises. At the end of three weeks, you’ll not only have a better grasp of what it takes to write good fiction, but you’ll also explore the magic of your own imagination... more

“Over the years, I've learned that plot is one of the most mysterious elements of the art of fiction,” says instructor Nina Schuyler. "Some writers think a plot is written by formula. Not true! Plot rises out of your characters and your ideas... more

"If you’re craving some constructive, insightful feedback from a supportive group of fellow writers, it’s time to dip your toe into the workshop," says instructor Steve Mitchel... more

“Ever since I began writing, I’ve been fascinated by the short story form,” Jennifer Lewis says. “You can read a short story from beginning to end in one sitting. I love the immediacy and resolve, the feeling of completion with an economy of words... more

The Novel Writing Group is designed for writers who have made some progress on their novel (from a complete first draft, to a few chapters, to a detailed outline). The group will provide new novelists with practical tools to help them make progress with various aspects of novel-writing... more

How do you pack a story into 500 words or fewer? In this 3-hour class, you’ll explore the expansive possibilities of the very short story, otherwise known as flash fiction, and begin creating your own compact gem... more