Generative Short Fiction Intensive - 8 weeks (with Carolyn Zaikowski) - ONLINE
Have you vowed you'll write more? That you'll reclaim your writer’s life? This fun, supportive deep-dive into short fiction is for you! In this generative workshop, you’ll create up to seven short fiction drafts using prompts on storytelling elements like plot, voice, structure, character, setting, and point of view. To represent each element and deepen our understanding, each week you’ll be guided by reading and discussing a story from the masters, including Manuel Gonzalez, Alice Munro, Jamaica Kincaid, Jhumpa Lahiri, and more. You will have the opportunity to submit at least two drafts to receive workshop feedback from the teacher and class. Though this is a generation-focused course, we’ll also touch on introductory revision strategies. Past participants have estimated that the at-home reading/writing takes 2-5 hours per week. For writers of all levels. Limited to 10 writers.
Take note: Short pre-class reading will be emailed to all before the workshop begins.
WHEN: 8 Weeks: Tuesdays, March 7 - April 25 (6 - 8pm EST)
WHERE: Online, via Zoom video conference
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
CAROLYN ZAIKOWSKI is is the author of two hybrid novels. Her fiction, poetry, and essays have appeared widely, in publications such as The Washington Post, The Rumpus, PANK, West Branch, and elsewhere. She holds an MFA from Naropa University's Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics and is currently an English professor and volunteer death doula.
GOALS OF THIS WORKSHOP
• Learning to read like writers by studying the masters and intellectually discussing fundamental concepts in fiction
• Trying our hand at these elements, so that we can build a fiction-writing tool kit to carry beyond the course
• Generating up to seven first drafts to take with us beyond the course and into the next drafting stages
• Receiving in-depth, constructive in-class feedback on at least two drafts, plus a feedback write-up from the instructor on one draft of your choosing
• Exploring basics of fiction revision
• Fostering a sense of gentle accountability and structure via weekly deadlines and at-home work
WORKSHOP OUTLINE
WEEK ONE: Intro and flash fiction
We'll explore why we’ve come here and the basics of fiction, plus do a fun in-class generative exercise with the flash fiction form.
WEEK TWO: Plot
We'll discuss the concept of plot and narrative structure through, using at-home readings and study guides, and we'll have our first in-class workshop.
WEEK THREE: Character
We'll examine character creation methods, with the help of at-home readings and study guides, plus continue in-class workshopping.
WEEK FOUR: Setting
We'll examine the construction of setting, using at-home readings and study guides, plus continue in-class workshopping.
WEEK FIVE: Point of View
We'll examine the question of point of view, using at-home readings and study guides, plus continue in-class workshopping.
WEEK SIX: Voice
We'll examine the element of narrative voice, again with the help of at-home readings and study guides, and continue in-class workshopping.
WEEK SEVEN: Epistolary
We'll examine the narrative structure of epistolary fiction, using our readings and study guides, and continue in-class workshopping.
WEEK EIGHT: Revision
We'll explore basic fiction revision methods, try at-home and in-class revision exercises, and offer final reflections.
RECEIVING THE ZOOM LINK: For one-day workshops, we send out the link to attend the Zoom session 1 - 2 days before the event, via email. For multi-week workshops, you should receive info and the link about 3 - 5 days before. Please mark your calendars when you first register and look for our emails. If you don't see the email in your inbox on the day before the class, please check your spam and junk mail folders (and search all folders) for an email from joy@pioneervalleywriters.org before contacting us. We have found that very often our emails end up in those folders. This is based on your own email settings, and you can prevent this by adding our email as a contact.
ONLINE SESSIONS happen remotely, via Zoom video conference. All you need is a laptop, computer, or phone with functioning audio and a webcam. Those who RSVP receive directions and a link to "join" the session via email (please see above note about receiving the Zoom link). All online instructors will log on to the video conference a few minutes before the start of the session, so please plan to log on early if you'd like assistance! We'll do everything in our power to help you get comfortable with the Zoom format, though we are not able to offer technical assistance beyond basic Zoom orientation.
REFUND & CREDIT POLICIES AT PVWW
Because of non-refundable fees that we, PVWW, must pay for every transaction that happens, we are not able to give full refunds to those who register then withdraw from a workshop or class. If you withdraw from a workshop ten days or more before the start of the class: You'll receive full credit toward another workshop or class of equal value OR a refund minus 10%. If you withdraw from a workshop nine days before the start of the class up until 48 hours before: You'll receive full credit toward another class OR a refund minus 30%. If you withdraw from a workshop less than 48 hours before the start of a class or after the class has begun: We are not able to offer you credit toward another class or a partial refund, unless in the case of a medical emergency. If we have to cancel a class for any reason, you will receive a full refund, or if you choose, a credit in the amount of your payment, to be used for any future PVWW class. Anyone who does not specify whether they would like a refund or a credit for a cancelled class within 3 months will automatically be refunded. Please contact Joy (joy@pioneervalleywriters.org) for all matters concerning credit and refunds.