In the third and final class of the series, we'll get inspiration from wildlife to illustrate how different perspectives and voices can influence the experience for your readers. We'll discuss "Show, don't tell," "Kill your darlings," and other narrative techniques and "rules" of writing that affect reader engagement and enjoyment. This class will also tie together elements discussed in previous classes to give you the tools, skills, and confidence you need to take your writing project to the next stage.
Topics include:
Topics include:
- Show vs. tell: what they mean and when to use each
- How to save your darlings without harming your reader
- What interiority is and how, when, and why to use it
- Point of view, voice, and how to choose the best narrator to tell your story
Class #3 - Bird's Eye View
In the second class of the series, we'll change our analogy from trees to topography as you find out what can be learned about story structure and scene scaffolding from rivers, forests, mountains, and valleys. We'll also take a look at popular plotting methods and storytelling templates to see where they can be useful for creating an exciting, engaging journey through the woods for your readers.
Topics include:
Topics include:
- Basic elements of story structure
- How to use momentum and pacing effectively
- Why tension, suspense & conflict are important in every genre
- Where and how to include flashbacks and character backstory
Class #2 - The Hiker's Journey
In the first class of the series, we'll be looking at story seeds and the basic elements needed to provide fertile ground and nourishment to create strong roots and grow your novel or memoir organically into a healthy, thriving, fruit-bearing tree.
Topics include:
Topics include:
- What story is and isn't
- Why it's important and how to establish character goals, motivations & stakes
- What is meant by character and narrative arcs
- How to use theme and genre to guide your plot
Class #1 - Seeds, Roots & Successful Shoots
In each of these three in-person, outdoor classes, you will learn the essential elements of story and narrative structure, self-editing techniques, and other aspects of novel and memoir writing to ensure your manuscript is set up for success and to help you finish or revise your first draft. The small, intimate class sizes will allow you opportunities to discuss and work on your specific writing project as we delve into writing craft and storytelling topics, using examples from nature. (Your work in progress does not have to be nature-related.) These classes are part writing workshop and part guided nature walk - a unique experience designed to inspire, educate, and rejuvenate by getting away from desks and computer screens and into an environment more conducive to creativity.
Each class focuses on a different stage of the novel or memoir writing process. They are designed to build on each other, but are available a la carte, or as a 3-class package. Space is limited for each class, so reserve your spot today! Classes will be customized based on the students' project types and status.
Who should take these classes?
Writers of fiction (any genre) or memoir in the following stages:
Each class focuses on a different stage of the novel or memoir writing process. They are designed to build on each other, but are available a la carte, or as a 3-class package. Space is limited for each class, so reserve your spot today! Classes will be customized based on the students' project types and status.
Who should take these classes?
Writers of fiction (any genre) or memoir in the following stages:
- Seed: you have an idea for a story, but not sure how or where to plant it
- Sapling: you have a partially written draft, but would like guidance on how to nurture it to continue growing or make sure it's planted in fertile ground
- Tree: you have a completed manuscript that could use some pruning, and you'd like to self-edit and revise before paying for an editor, sending to literary agents, or submitting to contests