Becoming an accomplished fiction writer means developing an amalgam of skills. You need to write sentences that flow, to master dialogue and description, to construct scenes and stories that are vivid and paced well. And, of course, you need to create characters who pull on the emotions of your reader. Learning these skills can be a challenge, but it is also immense fun.
Instructor Elaine Beale says, “I love writing fiction because I get to create characters, worlds, and stories. Sometimes that offers me an escape from the challenging realities around me, and sometimes it deepens my understanding of myself and the world.
“In my classes, I want students to understand and build their fiction writer’s skills. I also want students to fling open the doors of their imagination and discover the profound enjoyment and fulfillment that comes from creating stories.”
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.
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.
Elaine Beale has published two novels, the most recent of which, Another Life Altogether, was featured in Oprah Magazine and received praise from the Boston Globe, Lambda Literary, and Publishers Weekly, among others. Elaine was the winner of the 2007 Poets & Writers California Writers Exchange Award and has an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia. Her latest book is Write for Wellness, a guide to using expressive writing to promote emotional and physical health.
- Live Zoom Meeting: Sunday, November 10, 10:30am-1:00pm
- Live Zoom Meeting: Sunday, November 17, 10:30am-1:00pm
- Live Zoom Meeting: Sunday, November 24, 10:30am-1:00pm
Elaine is an excellent, dynamic teacher and very organized with materials and communications. Her critiquing of our writing was extremely valuable. In addition to her considerable experience, she has a gift for it. . . . I wish she could always be my reader, and would definitely take another course taught by her and recommend her classes to others.
I am a big fan of Elaine's classes. She immediately puts the novice at ease and her enthusiastic love of the craft is contagious.
Elaine knows her stuff, obviously, and articulates her insights in an inspiring style. She respects how challenging writing is and accentuates that by constantly providing positive support. She is warm, honest, and helpful for fledgling fiction writers!