Weeks 14-15: Workshopping

Authors: Please email your classmates and me. Attach your story in a word document.

  • Please revise the story based on my comments and your own instincts before you submit it for workshopping.

  • Please review the writing contract and make sure the mechanics of your story are in good working order (e.g. dialogue formatting).

  • Please put the date on which your story is being read in the title bar of your email.

  • Finally, please don't email your story too far ahead of time. Let's try to keep the order clear for the readers. Thanks!

    • Please post your story the day before, in the morning, so your classmates have ample time to read it.

Readers:

  • Please download the story and print it out.

    • You'll need a copy of the story so we can comment on it in class (it's not okay to use laptops for workshopping).

  • Also, don't forget to print out your letter to the author (or email it to the author).

  • Please post a copy of the letter on Canvas.

Instructions for letter to the author (250-300 words):

  • If it seems helpful, you might begin by stating quite simply what happens in the piece and what it’s about. Especially if the piece has a complicated plot structure, this can be useful.

  • Mention 2-3 elements of the story that you consider strong.

    • Be specific about these strengths (e.g. “you use fresh, surprising metaphors” is better than “you’re very descriptive).

  • Questions are good:

    • e.g. “I’m curious whether Craig will finish his list or abandon it in pursuit of Hilda?”

    • e.g. “What does Hilda look like?” “Does Paul love Michael or Robert?"

  • Give at least one suggestion you have for improving the piece.

    • Again, be as concrete and specific as possible in your suggestion and try to avoid judgment. E.g. “it might be helpful to introduce more conflict into the piece earlier.”

    • Think of Maxwell Perkins here: “Couldn’t you add one or two characteristics like the use of that phrase ‘old sport’?”

Tips On What to Comment On and Sample Letters Posted Below!

  • (am also attaching the Perkins revision exercise)

Workshopping Schedule:

Monday 4/27: Amanda, Dana//Lena, Kessa

Tuesday 4/28: James, Allie//Daiana, Stuti

Thursday 4/30: Paul, Miranda//Hannah, Mayher

Friday 5/1: Akash, Robert//Lila, Evan

Monday 5/4: Kian, Jessica//Sean, Sam

Tuesday 5/5: George, Kristine//Josh, Morty

Thursday 5/7: Beimnet, Marc//Lorna, George

Friday 5/8: Sofi, Natalie//Leila, Willie (exercise)