This class will explore the components of fiction (e.g., voice, dialogue, plot) in a variety of short stories and observe how short story writing has evolved through literary history. Participants will use knowledge, writing exercises, and discussions from the class to write their own story or build on a project they already have. Instruction will include assigned readings from great writers (traditionally published and from online magazines), stimulating writing prompts, and encouraging discussions about celebrated short stories to help reflect on what makes meaningful and effective work.
Each week we will focus on a different element of fiction such as voice, dialogue, plot, character, and setting, through brief lectures and examples from short stories. Writing prompts will be given to help stimulate writing practice and craft new work. Participants will be given opportunities to share their work and receive brief feedback to help magnify their writing strengths and review what works for readers. Writers will walk away with a better sense of how each element of fiction can strengthen a story and what their own writing may be asking of them to better communicate their story. Whether you are brand new to fiction writing, need inspiration, or looking to polish up on fiction fundamentals, you are welcome to Introduction to Fiction: Components of Short Stories.
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Details: Intro to Fiction with Nardine Taleb takes place Thursdays, August 14, August 21, August 28, September 4, (no class on September 11), September 18, and September 25 from 6:30-8:30pm at Lakewood United Methodist Church (15700 Detroit Ave).
Prerequisite: None.
Genre: Fiction
Level: Emerging
Format: Generative Workshop
Location: This class takes place at Lakewood United Methodist Church (15700 Detroit Ave).
Size: Limited to 12 participants (including scholarships).
Scholarships: Two scholarship spots are available for this class for writers in Northeast Ohio. Apply by April 28.
Cancellations & Refunds: Cancel at least 48 hours in advance of the first class meeting to receive a full refund. Email info@litcleveland.org.
Work with the best...
Nardine Taleb is a speech-language pathologist, Prose Editor at Gordon Square Review, and writer. She is the author of warda, published in 2023 by Passengers Press. Her poetry and fiction has been published in award-winning online journals including Electric Literature, The Offing, Rattle, Frontier Poetry, Mizna, Parentheses Journal, Wildness, Tinderbox Poetry Journal, and others.
Lakewood United Methodist Church
15700 Detroit Ave, Cleveland OH 44107
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