This advanced prose workshop is intended for students who’ve completed a draft, or a substantial portion of a draft, of a novel or longform work of nonfiction, be it memoir or narrative. It’s designed to answer the question: I’ve come this far, so now what?   

To begin, we will consider up to 15 pages of material that students bring from home. These pages could be the opening scenes of your book, but that’s not a requirement.  You will also generate new scenes, so be prepared to write.

During our time together, you will be guided through the process of transforming an early draft into a polished one, or a polished draft into a final one. What will make the manuscript better? Does the book start where it should? How do you know when you’re done? In whose voice, or voices, should the narrative be told? What crucial scene have you omitted because it’s difficult, or even terrifying, to write?

We’ll attempt to answer these questions and more, focusing on the shape and architecture of longform fiction and nonfiction.  You’ll come away with at least one polished scene.  We’ll also touch on what to do with your manuscript once you’ve finished.

In this workshop, we will generate new writing through guided exercises and prompts; workshop writing you bring from home.