The Millions: And now for a little self-promotion...

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October 27, 2007

And now for a little self-promotion...

I've been teaching fiction writing out of my apartment for over a year now. Seven people show up to my place once a week to eat some gourmet cheese, drink some wine (or sparkling water), and talk about fiction writing. It's been terrific to explore craft topics with such a diverse group of Angelenos; my students range in age from 24 to 57, and, when they're not writers, they are painters, actors, therapists, vineyard owners, producers, nannies, midwives, and so on. I always try to balance the intensity of our critique sessions (because they are intense - this ain't no touchy-feely love fest) with discussions of published work (for how can you write if you don't read?) and writing exercises (which are either loved or hated, depending on the student). Teaching inspires and challenges me, and it keeps me writing - for how could I present myself as a voice of authority if I weren't committed to the art form?

This November, I'm trying my hand at a weekend seminar, called Introduction to Fiction Writing. It's designed for new writers, but I plan for it to be useful to more experienced writers as well, those who want to revisit technique and gather new material. If you're an L.A. reader of The Millions, perhaps you'll join me?

Here's the course description:

In this seminar, we will explore the major tenets of fiction writing, including characterization, narrative voice, prose style, point of view, scene and summary, dialogue, and structure. Over the course of the seminar, we will continually return to certain questions: How can we use language to capture the uncapturable? How can a bunch of words on the page move us, make us understand what it means to be human? How can form and technique help us to improve as writers? In an attempt to answer these questions, we will look to published fiction for guidance, and dive into various writing exercises. Students will leave the seminar with the beginnings of several promising projects, as well as the skills to follow through with them.

When: Saturday 11/17 and Sunday 11/18, 10:30-12:30 and 1:30-3:30 pm each day

7 student maximum enrollment

The course will take place in Los Feliz
Course fee: $110

Email me at elepucki@aol.com for more information.

- Edan Lepucki @ 3:55 PM ~ comments: 3 ~ Links to this post

Comments:

This is a great idea. I've done teaching, but I've found my writing group has devolved almost into a teaching situation, but I don't get paid. And the "students" are less motivated because we meet at a bar. I know that I shouldn't go into it to make money--but why not? You've convinced me. Thanks for sharing.

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