Intro to Fiction: From the Ground Up

From the Ground Up: Building Fictional Worlds

We writers build our fictional worlds not with hammer and nails but with character and plot. In this introductory workshop, we will study some basic floor plans of fiction during the first week and sharpen the implements in our writers’ toolbox to write and critique short stories in the five weeks following. We will learn to break down a story, investigating point of view, scene vs. summary, backstory vs. present action, and methods of characterization. We will map the rising action and pinpoint the crisis action. We will also discuss how to use the feedback we receive, along with revision techniques.

Instructor:

Valli Jo Porter's work has appeared in New Ohio Review, Every Day Fiction, Gordon Square Review, and Literary Mama. She has her MFA in creative writing from Old Dominion University and has taught composition, literature, and creative writing at the college level. In 2020, she earned an Individual Excellence Award from the Ohio Arts Council for her short fiction. She is at work querying agents for her two completed novel manuscripts and revising a third.

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Details: Intro to Fiction takes place Thursdays from October 17 through November 21, 6:30-8:30 pm online via Zoom.

Prerequisite: None.

Genre: Fiction

Level: Emerging

Format: Generative Workshop

Location: This class takes place online via Zoom

Size: Limited to 12 participants (including scholarships).

Scholarships: Two scholarship spots are available for this class for writers in Northeast Ohio. Apply by August 19.

Cancellations & Refunds: Cancel at least 48 hours in advance of the first class meeting to receive a full refund. Email info@litcleveland.org.

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$180 - Non-Member Registration

$120 - Registration with Member Discount

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