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“Whether you write fiction, memoir or nonfiction, the same rule applies: when your dialogue clicks, your story springs to life,” says instructor Kerry Muir. “Stories like Hemingway’s 'Hills Like White Elephants' and Sam Shepard’s 'Opuestos' contain almost nothing but dialogue and yet still reveal character, theme, relationship, conflict and even metaphor. The key is subtext—letting your characters say one thing, yet mean quite another!”
In this fun and fast-paced daylong workshop, participants will work through a series of exercises to tap into characters’ distinct voices, build suspense and conflict, practice the art of the rant, insert silences that speak volumes, and more. We’ll look at excerpts by some masters of modern dialogue such as David Mamet, Victor LaValle, Ruth Prawer Jhabvala, Quentin Tarantino, and Toni Morrison. Come prepared to write!
- Saturday, May 4, 10:00am-4:00pm
Kerry's enthusiasm was contagious and she encouraged each student, while helping them see how to improve their work. She created a friendly and supportive atmosphere through group discussion, and suggested further readings.
Kerry has a wonderful sunny personality and she is a great teacher. She taught us various useful techniques and made us practice them after each reading example throughout the day. Kerry mastered the subject on dialogue. Her workshop was well structured and organized. Her feedback was always kind and constructive. I loved her class that made me acquire a much better handle on writing dialogue. I hope to take more classes with Kerry at the Writing Salon, a place of learning I much enjoy.
Kerry made the art of dialogue accessible. I feel as if I left with an entire tool kit. She was knowledgeable, welcoming, friendly, inclusive and respectful. She gave great feedback. Really the course gave me more than expected. I feel like my dialogue skills improved substantially.