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All the Secrets of Plot

  • Mechanics' Hall 519 Congress Street Portland, ME 04101 (map)

A Fiction Workshop

I struggled for 30 years to write a novel worth publishing, and endured five failed attempts. But in that process, I was able to look back at my unpublished novels and recognize what I was doing wrong, especially in terms of plot. In this class, we’ll use a close read of my novel, “All the Secrets of the World” to unlock—in concrete terms—all the secrets of plot: how to create rising action, how to manage chronology, how to craft riveting scenes, and how to make plausibility work for you. 

 

+ BONUS: A free signed first-edition of “All the Secrets of the World” for everyone who signs up!

$95 Members/$150 Nonmembers


Steve Almond is the author of twelve books of fiction and nonfiction, including the New York Times bestsellers Candyfreak and Against Football. His recent books include the novel All the Secrets of the World, which has been optioned for television by 20th Century Fox, and William Stoner and the Battle for the Inner Life. For four years, Steve hosted the New York Times “Dear Sugars” podcast with his pal Cheryl Strayed. He is the recipient of a 2022 NEA grant in fiction, and his short stories have been anthologized in the Best American Short Stories, The Pushcart Prize, Best American Erotica, and Best American Mysteries series. You can read more about him here.


ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED
All MWPA workshops require advanced registration. We accept registration by phone, mail, and online via our website. We cannot guarantee registration in the final 24-hours before a workshop, and can rarely accommodate day-of registration.

PAYMENT & CANCELLATION POLICIES
If you need to withdraw from a class after registering for any reason, please email or call the MWPA immediately. You may be eligible for a partial refund or credit, depending on how far in advance you cancel. → MORE INFORMATION

QUESTIONS
For any questions regarding this workshop, please contact programs@mainewriters.org.

REGISTER BY PHONE
Call 207-200-7180 and register with your VISA or MasterCard.

REGISTER BY MAIL
If you prefer to pay by mail, please print this registration form (downloadable PDF) and mail it to the MWPA with a check or credit card information.

SCHOLARSHIP
The MWPA is proud to offer one full scholarship to this workshop for members-only. Scholarships are awarded on a combination of need and merit. Application Due by October 5th at 9:00 a.m.
→ MORE INFORMATION

MWPA WORKSHOP POLICIES
Registration in any MWPA workshop, program, or event constitutes your agreement to our terms and conditions. → MORE INFORMATION

Earlier Event: October 19
The Art of the Tiny Truth