All fiction is speculative. Our grasp on the real world is limited, and it is a writer's job to push the boundaries. Why are we here? Why do we suffer? God. Space. Time. Life. Death. To enter a character is an act of empathy. To master a compelling plot is a structural feat. And to harness the music of language is a powerful tool. But why write at all? One reason might be to access Truth. Truth, in fiction, must be earned. In other words, it emerges from character, plot, and language. This weeklong workshop will examine how we, as writers, ask and answer philosophical questions—both existential and spiritual. We will discuss how writers probe these questions through dialogue, interiority, scene, and summary. We will examine various endings (of novels, stories, and scenes) where meaning is revealed. And we will workshop stories and novel excerpts from each participant, focusing on how philosophical truth is earned through narrative.

On day one, participants can expect to discuss one acclaimed novel, which will be assigned before the session begins. For the remainder of the week, each participant will have the opportunity to share at least one short story or novel excerpt with the group. Each day we will workshop two or three people’s work, while reconsidering the masterwork and examining craft. Prepare to discover the meaning of life!

In this workshop, we will workshop writing you bring from home.