Writing Life

The Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown, Massachusetts has published the schedule for this summer. I am offering a new course called HE SAID, SHE SAID: BUILDING CHARACTERS THROUGH DIALOGUE, SETTING, AND CONFLICT, CONFLICT, CONFLICT.
I got the idea from this course from noticing that many of the writers I mentor have trouble making their stories really sizzle. Sometimes I diagnose it as being too in love with your characters to let them really hit the wall. Other times, it’s nice people’s disease– people who avoid conflict in life have a hard time getting it down on the page.
In this class, we are going to take existing drafts and turn the heat up. I am sure you have a story that is good enough, it’s fine, but it’s sort of forgettable. Bring your story to class.
Southern ladies, this analogy will certainly resonate with you. When I was a teenager, someone told me to put on every piece of jewelry I wanted to wear with a certain outfit. Then, before leaving the house, take off one, and you’ll be perfect. This is my approach to conflict in story-writing. Don’t hold back in the creation, then tone it down right when you’re done. Writing is not for the faint of heart, or of pen.
Dates are August 15-20. Scholarships are available. Details here.