Write dialogue that reveals character, builds tension, and brings scenes to life.

the alchemy of dialogue

thurs, April 1 + 8, 2027

530–730p CT / 630-830p ET

w/ author and editor Susanna Daniel

Attend live in person or live on Zoom

Class fee: $150

write sharp dialogue
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Write conversations that reveal character and move the story.

Great dialogue is a distilled version of speech: convincing to the ear, purposeful on the page. It reveals what characters want, what they’re willing to say, and what they’re trying to keep hidden.

Session One

What Characters Do to One Another

We’ll write exchanges driven by character and conflicting desires, then bring those conversations into the physical world through gestures, activity, movement, and silence.

Session Two

What to Quote, What to Leave Out

We’ll explore the balance between direct speech and summary, develop distinctive voices, and practice cutting dialogue so its strongest moments stand out. We’ll also cover practical choices about dialogue tags, action beats, and punctuation.

Both sessions include guided writing time and an opportunity to share a short excerpt for focused responses. You’ll leave with new material, revisions underway, and practical tools for writing conversations that matter.

who should join us?

Fiction and creative nonfiction writers at any stage who want to strengthen their dialogue.

You’re welcome to bring a scene from a work in progress or start something new with our prompts. Scenework students will find a natural next step here; no previous class is required.

Limited to 8 writers, to encourage investment in each writer’s work and process. Writers of fiction and memoir are equally welcome.

 

the alchemy of dialogue Meets in person and online.

A computer screen displaying a Zoom video call with eight participants, some smiling and others looking at their screens. The laptop is on a desk with a visible keyboard and pink pencil underneath.

Meet the Instructor

  • Susanna Daniel, author and editor

    Susanna Daniel is the author of three novels. Girlfriending is a spinoff of her award-winning short story, "The Goddess of Illicit Choices," Stiltsville, was awarded the PEN/Bingham prize, and Sea Creatures, was a Target Book Club pick.

    Susanna is the co-founder of the Madison Writers’ Studio with author Michelle Wildgen, and she’s been leading the Book in a Year workshop since 2013. She’s coached and edited 100+ novelists and memoirists, either from the blank page or from the full draft.

    Susanna is a graduate of Columbia University and the University of Iowa Writers’ Workshop, and was a Teaching-Writing Fellow at the Iowa Writers’ Workshop and a Carl Djerassi Fiction Fellow at the UW Institute for Creative Writing. She’s been awarded residencies at the MacDowell Colony and UCross, and has been published in the Sewanee Review, Newsweek, Slate, One Story, Wisconsin People & Ideas, Significant Objects, Epoch, and elsewhere. Before co-founding MWS, she taught college-level creative writing for ten years.

    You can learn more about Susanna at her website, and you’re welcome to contact her about Book in a Year via email.

  • “It’s rare to get a nurturing environment coupled with a deep, productive critique for one’s work. You set the bar high for writing workshops.”

    — Kyle W.

  • “Without being too simple – I loved it! And yes I will do it again, and if I knew anyone who was serious about being a better writer, I would recommend the classes.”

    — Mary

  • “For me, this was a great re-entry into the practice of writing. I would take another class. It’s a wonderful resource for people from all walks of life who want to write.”

    — Zara

  • “I felt that the group was respectful of the individuals while being honest with each other. Susanna fostered that environment and made it look easy.”

    — Tami

write your most vivid scenes

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write your most vivid scenes *

is the alchemy of dialogue right for you?

Book an appointment or email Susanna with any questions.

write sharp dialogue

Enroll in the alchemy of Dialogue

We’ll get in touch with details and an invoice within 48 hours of receiving your registration.

Please note that all returning students receive a 10% discount on workshops.

We look forward to getting to know you and your work!