New format!
Meets: Feb-Sept, fourth Tuesdays, 530-8p CT // 730-9p ET
Instructors: Michelle Wildgen & Susanna Daniel
Location: live on Zoom
Cost: $1295
Enrollment: 2 openings
Why a revision class?
Richard Russo has famously said that each of his novels goes through "about 17" revisions before it's published. Revising is a skill separate from, and in some ways more sophisticated than, drafting fresh material. A smart, deep revision can elevate a story or essay at the level of meaning and substance; conversely, doing a cursory line edit without reimagining a story’s shape and rethinking its structure might not amount to much.
We believe in supporting writers by sharing craft lessons and feedback -- and with this class, we’ll build on that support by also helping writers reshape and polish their fresh stories and essays, with the goal of making our pieces reader-ready.
To keep the feedback process reasonable we’ll limit the class to 5 writers and each story or essay to 20 pages. Our focus will be on maintaining consistent writing habits and giving each revision time to reach its full potential.
So how will it work?
During our intro meeting, both instructors -- Susanna Daniel and Michelle Wildgen -- will discuss what comprises a deep revision and go over the workshop process.
Then, for the first 4 months, February through May, every writer will workshop one original story or essay each month, coming away with strategies for deep revisions. We'll focus on offering each story or essay a close read and nuts-and-bolts suggestions for revision.
For the last 4 months of the class, June through September, we’ll swap instructors to provide a fresh eye. Writers will submit one deep revision each month and put the material through its paces again, this time with fresh eyes.
At the end of the year, you’ll have 4 pieces ready for publication or an MFA or residency application.
“You are both excellent readers/commenters, and your styles and takes are, you will not be surprised to hear, very different. So yes, there’s a real value in getting comments from both of you.”
So how is V/RV different in 2026?
More Consistent deadlines
We’re still workshop each piece twice, but instead of requiring writers to submit every other month, writers will need to submit every month. Four original pieces (preferably new work), and four revisions.
More opportunities to workshop
Instead of workshopping 5-6 times during the course, writers will workshop 8 times.
But the total class duration is shorter?
Yes, instead of working together from January through December, we’ll work from February through September. That said, the class offers greater value in terms of workshops per writer.