W. Somerset Maugham has said that there are three rules to writing a novel but that, unfortunately, no one knows what they are. We might safely assume, though, that one of these rules might have something to do with plot: Maybe we should have one in our novels? Maybe it would be helpful to plan the plot out ahead of time?

In this weekend workshop, Kelly will hold lectures and lead discussions on different methods to help with plotting, and we’ll do various exercises to help us develop and deepen our plots. We’ll work on ways in which our plots might arise out of character, and we’ll discuss issues such as how to create more intensity, how to integrate an opposition, how to integrate our themes within our plots, and how to work towards a powerful climax. We’ll spend the weekend creating a useful general plot outline, which everyone will have the opportunity to share with the class and workshop in a supportive, stimulating environment. 

Our goal is that by the time the weekend is over, everyone will have a general outline for a novel plot. Having these outlines will give writers the tools and confidence to go home and write, finish, and/or revise their novels.

This workshop is for writers of all levels, and for writers who are at any stage in a novel—from those who have not yet begun a novel, from those who are in the middle of a novel, to those who are revising a novel. Our primary focus will be on generating new material.

(Please note that while this class is focused on the novel, writers who are working on memoirs or short story collections who believe they would find the class useful are most welcome.) 

In this workshop, we will generate new writing through guided exercises and prompts.