This class expands on the skills covered in our Fiction/Creative Nonfiction workshop, and introduce deeper level applications of those skills to encourage students to experiment with different narrative practices in the writing of nonfiction. Designed to give returning students continued support as they improve their work, this workshop will meet 8 times every other week.

Each student will have the opportunity to submit 2-3 stories for workshop (new work only, please) and will be responsible for reading and discussing the original work of each participant. Both inside and outside of workshop, we will read published material and complete craft-focused exercises. Our workshops focus first on what the writer is doing well, then on concrete suggestions for improvement.

We’ll examine published work with an eye to technique, reading as writers to better understand and utilize the ways nonfiction incorporates elements of characterization, point of view, plot and structure, dialogue, description and detail. We’ll discuss why some strategies work and some don’t, how to avoid clichés and pitfalls, and how to hone our strengths and identify our weaknesses. Between workshops, we will keep in touch to encourage and support each other throughout the writing and editing process.

This workshop is appropriate for writers with some workshop experience, preferably with the Madison Writers’ Studio. Please expect to read 50-75 pages of material every other week, to prepare a 2-3 pages of written feedback for each class session, and to submit 2-3 full-length pieces of original nonfiction.

WHEN. TBA. Email us for schedule updates.

WHO. Writers with some workshop experience.

COST. $520. Includes reading material.