The Invented World: A Fiction Workshop

Writing requires discipline and solitary focus, but it’s so crucial to get feedback during the process, combining honest critiques with encouragement. This course is designed to offer both—whether you’re working on stories, a novel, or work of autofiction. It’s also ideal for those looking to expand their literary community, including beta readers. The unique alchemy of a workshop provokes excitement, unexpected solutions and perspectives, and most importantly, support and camaraderie.

In these 9 sessions, we’ll discuss key elements of craft (such as character, themes, structure, and voice)—but our primary concentration will be the workshop aspect; discussing the work you produce. Therefore, all participants should have either stories or novel sections ready to submit during this course. Each writer will have at least two opportunities to submit their pieces for workshop (up to 15 pages each time), and should expect to read between 30-45 pages of peer work weekly. Our workshop discussions will loosely follow this format: identifying what works in a piece, what doesn’t (or isn’t quite clear), and suggestions to address the latter.

This course is open to all genres, with an emphasis on craft and character-driven prose. Best suited for those who have some workshop or writing experience.

Classes will take place at the instructor’s home in the Marigny, and please note there is a (very mild-mannered) cat on the premises.