Who Says It’s Taboo: Breaking the Rules of Fiction

“We all have our favorite writing rules—never have characters talking on the phone; don’t set your story at a funeral; no vomiting—rules that have come about sometimes as simple pet peeves but more often for valid reasons that have to do with maintaining tension or not getting lazy on the page,” says instructor Lori Ostlund. In fact, parameters can be good, even helpful.

In this class, however, the parameters will be defined by breaking the rule. Each week we will look at a popular writing prohibition, talk about the logic behind it, and then embrace it. Along these lines, we will read scenes or stories that successfully break common fiction rules; weekly exercises will be aimed at writing directly into them. “Characters will vomit,” says Lori.

We will discuss these exercises in weekly workshops. This class is meant to be both generative and fun.

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.