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.
ABOUT THE WRITING SALON'S ONLINE ZOOM CLASSES
You will be able to participate in live class meetings via Zoom videoconference. To attend classes, you'll need a phone, tablet or computer and access to the internet. You can participate in the class from wherever you'd like, whether on your living room couch or in your office. Before your class meets, you'll receive an email from The Writing Salon with more information about Zoom and your remote class. If you have any questions about remote learning, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at hello@writingsalons.com.
Shelby Hinte has led and supported writing workshops at San Francisco State University and in the community, including teaching creative writing to incarcerated adults and youth on juvenile probation. She is the Associate Editor of Write or Die Magazine where she edits essays and interviews. She has served as a reader and intern at various independent presses including ZYZZYVA, Split/Lip Press, and No Contact. Her work has been featured in BOMB, ZYZZYVA, SmokeLong Quarterly, Hobart, The Rumpus, and elsewhere. Her first novel, HOWLING WOMEN, is forthcoming from LEFTOVER Books (2025).
- Live Zoom Meeting: Monday, February 10, 6:30pm-9:00pm
- Live Zoom Meeting: Monday, February 17, 6:30pm-9:00pm
- Live Zoom Meeting: Monday, February 24, 6:30pm-9:00pm
- Live Zoom Meeting: Monday, March 03, 6:30pm-9:00pm
- Live Zoom Meeting: Monday, March 10, 6:30pm-9:00pm
- Live Zoom Meeting: Monday, March 17, 6:30pm-9:00pm
Shelby is very warm and inviting in her style, which facilitated a welcoming atmosphere in the class. She also does a really good job of listening to our responses and pulling out interesting gems to reiterate. I always felt heard and understood.
Shelby is a fantastic teacher. She’s so knowledgeable, well-read, enthusiastic, and inspiring.
Shelby has an excellent teaching style. She is very creative, and her energy carries each class (writers tend to be introverts). She is highly organized, and enormously generous with feedback and the time and attention she gives to reading her students' submissions and homework.
Shelby was supportive, encouraging, helpfully self-disclosing about her writing process, and was respectful of each participant's strengths and struggles.