Beginning in April, I will be teaching an advanced novels-in-progress class at the Writer's Center in Bethesda, Maryland. I enjoy this class because participants are to have already written at least 50 pages, so we get to wrestle with some really meaty issues that face writers in the middle of the process. (This class isn't called "The Long Haul" for nothing!)
Here's the class description:
The Long Haul: A Workshop for Novels-in-Progress
Writing a novel is like running a marathon: challenging, lonely, frustrating, exhilarating, and a hundred other emotions. How to keep going through all the distractions and difficulties? How to keep focused on your vision? How to finish the darn thing!? This workshop will explore the “big picture” matters of pacing, structure, tone, and plot; seek possible solutions to individual problems participants face in their manuscripts; and, above all, offer encouragement for getting through the inevitable rough patches. We will discuss additional aspects of craft as they arise in participant manuscripts. The final session will cover information about submitting your work for publication. IMPORTANT: This workshop is designed for writers who have already made significant progress on their books (i.e. at least 50 pages); this is not an appropriate class if you are starting a book right now. Writers with complete first drafts are welcome as are those who are still working through their first draft. Please bring to the first class a one-paragraph description of your novel to read out loud. Each writer will share up to 25 double-spaced (12 pt font) pages of work with the workshop; you are encouraged to bring 15 copies to distribute at the first meeting.
For more information, or to register, please contact The Writer's Center.
