December 2008 Writing Workshops (online only)

Beginner Fiction / Nonfiction Writing

In this three-week online workshop, you’ll work through a series of exercises designed to introduce you to the basics of writing fiction or creative nonfiction. We’ll explore basic elements of fiction/non-fiction writing: plot, dialogue, fundamental points of view, setting, description. Participants will read and critique each others’ exercises, writing three each week. The exercises will build on each other, so that by the end of the workshop, you should be ready to write a complete short story or essay. No experience needed.

Intermediate Fiction / Nonfiction Writing

In this three-week online workshop, you’ll work through a series of exercises designed to further explore the craft of writing fiction or creative nonfiction. Participants are expected to submit and critique an entire short story each, in addition to doing regular exercises. We’ll aim towards powerful stories with rich and compelling characters, while also exploring more advanced elements of fiction/non-fiction craft: varied points of view, time jumps, narrative styles, structure. This class is appropriate for writers who have been writing for some time and are ready to start sending stories out (or who are already submitting pieces).

• Writing Sexuality

In this three-week online workshop, you’ll work through a series of exercises focused on writing around sexuality. Whether you’re interested in erotica, mainstream fiction with sexual themes/scenes, or sexually explicit nonfiction, these exercises will help you develop language and craft skills to help you become a stronger, more powerful writer of sexual literature. Participants will read and critique each others’ exercises, writing three each week. The exercises will build on each other, so that by the end of the workshop, you should be ready to write a complete short story or essay. No experience needed.


Class Requirements

All workshops will
meet online through a private mailing list, in one three-week session.
Each workshop is limited to 10 participants. We’ll also meet in a twice-weekly online chat
session (joint with all three workshops) where participants can ask questions and exchange advice;
attendance for the chats is optional, but is strongly recommended for the full workshop experience. As time permits, we’ll also address the business of writing in the chat sessions– submitting stories and novels, finding an agent, etc. Chat sessions will be held on Tuesday evenings, 5 – 7 p.m. PST, and Saturday 9 – 11 a.m. PST.

Workshop Dates

Monday, December 8 – Sunday, December 28.

Texts

Required: Ursula K.
LeGuin’s Steering the Craft. I may also ask you to
read other pieces available online.

Payment Form

Each three-week class: $75 ($50 for returning students). You may register for more than one class, but please be aware that there may be some overlap in materials. If you have serious financial need, some discounted registration may be
available; e-mail Mary Anne and ask.

To register using your credit card or PayPal, just click below
and fill in the appropriate amount:

If you have any questions, please feel free to send me e-mail at
m@mamohanraj.com.

Past Classes

Online Summer 2008