Fiction Workshop: Building Our Stories

You’ve written a draft of one or more stories. Now what? Or you’ve been walking around with a story idea, but don’t know how to get it on the page. This all-levels fiction workshop offers a welcoming space where students will generate new material and refine already drafted stories.

The class is a hybrid take on the traditional workshop model, and while the workshop will be a major component of every class, writers will also have space to generate new material in class. Each class meeting will be broken up into two parts.

In the first half of class, we will read short fiction to examine elements of story such as plot, point of view, and structure. Short, in-class readings will serve as inspiration for generative in-class writing prompts. "Good writers are good readers," says instructor Shelby Hinte, "and often a good story can spark a moment of clarity in our own creative endeavors."

The second half of class will be structured as a writing workshop. All writers will have two opportunities to share fiction drafts (short stories or novel excerpts) with the group (maximum word count per submission is 4,000 words). Shelby adds, “Engaging in critical dialogue about artistic choices is one of the best ways to better understand the inner workings of fiction. Through discussing the craft of writing, we will become stronger writers and more compassionate readers.”

Writers will finish the class with seeds for new story ideas as well as two critiqued drafts. They will also leave with thought-provoking questions about their own work, which will guide them in revision. Shelby will provide generous feedback on student work to encourage writing during class and beyond.

*Because of the nature of the workshop process, enrollment will be capped at 9 to ensure that ample attention is given to each writer and their work.

**This class was originally scheduled to run from September 14-October 19.

About The Writing Salon's In-Person Classes

In-person class schedules are subject to sudden change or cancellation due to Covid. We will communicate any course changes to you as quickly as possible. Masking, social distancing, and other Covid measures will be enforced in accordance with local guidelines. Before your class meets, you'll receive an email from The Writing Salon with more information about your class. If you have any questions about in-person learning, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at hello@writingsalons.com.