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)