A 2-Week Fiction Workshop
Mondays, July 22 & 29, 7-9 PM
For those working on their first novels, wondering why they can’t seem to proceed past the first chapter, or struggling with plot or structure, this is the workshop for you. Meeting over the course of two days, this class will address that all-important first chapter, and also help you to develop a map and plan for plotting out the rest of your novel. We’ll talk about the impact of the first chapter, what the goals of a successful first chapter should be, how “listening” to your first chapter can also help you determine the structure and ending of your novel, and how to pace and plot out your novel.
We’ll read and discuss excerpts from the openings of novels by authors like Vanessa Chan, Shirley Jackson, Raven Leilani, Deborah Levy, and Ling Ma, using these works as jumping-off points for generating or revising our own first chapters. We’ll also take a look at the bones of these novels, examining how their structure is informed by their openings and vice versa. Topics covered will include pacing, world-building, characterizations, and POV choices. This class is suitable for writers at all levels, but most suitable for those who are either beginning the process of drafting a novel, or are in the midst of working on a novel.
+ PLEASE NOTE This workshop will occur ONLINE via Zoom. Students do not need to create an account to participate, but should test out Zoom before their class if they are first-time users. The week of the workshop, students will be emailed a link that they may click to enter the class.
+ REQUIRED EQUIPMENT A reliable, fast internet connection (broadband wired or wireless (3G or 4G/LTE), speakers & a microphone (built-in or USB plug-in), and a webcam (built-in or USB plug-in).
Gina Chung is a Korean American writer from New Jersey currently living in New York City. She is the author of the novel Sea Change, which was long-listed for the Center for Fiction First Novel Prize, a 2023 B&N Discover Pick, and a New York Times Most Anticipated Book, and the short story collection Green Frog. A recipient of the Pushcart Prize, she is a 2021-2022 Center for Fiction/Susan Kamil Emerging Writer Fellow and holds an MFA in fiction from The New School. Her work appears or is forthcoming in One Story, BOMB, The Kenyon Review, Literary Hub, Catapult, Electric Literature, and Gulf Coast, among others. For more, visit https://www.gina-chung.com/.
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 207-228-8263 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.
$80 Members/$135 Nonmembers
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 on July 8 at 9:00 a.m.
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MWPA WORKSHOP POLICIES
Registration in any MWPA workshop, program, or event constitutes your agreement to our terms and conditions. → MORE INFORMATION