Class

12-Week: Work in Progress

Writing is a wonderful vocation, but the effort can be lonely. Come break the isolation! This class is for fiction writers who are looking for artistic camaraderie and would like feedback on a project. The first three weeks, we’ll focus on craft: characterization, story and plot, perspective, voice and dialogue, and world building. Our craft discussions will be grounded in close readings of stories by writers such as Lucia Berlin, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, George Saunders, and Ha Jin. We'll experiment with varied writing exercises that strengthen our skills and push us into new territory. Beginning week four, we’ll begin constructive, craft-focused discussions of student work.

Please have a work in progress. Come prepared to write in class, read outside of class, discuss and comment on peers' work, and engage in lively discussions. You'll have up to 20 pages of a work in progress, either short story or novel excerpt, read & commented on by the teaching artist and fellow writers. At the end of 12 weeks, participants will have honed their craft, received thoughtful response to their work, and have a clearer sense of how to move forward with their project. Limit of 12 participants.

Instructions for Accessing This Online Class

In order to access live class meetings, you must have the Zoom application downloaded to your computer. You will also need a WiFi/Internet connection throughout the duration of your scheduled meeting and a computer with audio and video capability. The information to join your Zoom classroom will be provided in your confirmation email upon registration. Please check spam folders if you do not see this email upon registration. For more information on how to use Zoom, please see our training manual here.

Some classes use a supplemental Google Classroom page. Should your teaching artist use Google Classroom, you will be invited to join the classroom via email at least 24 hours in advance of your class (check spam folders if you are not seeing this invitation). Please note that Google Classroom requires a Gmail address to access the Classroom. If you do not have a Gmail account, the email invitation will be sent to the email address we have on file and will prompt you to create a free account or enter an existing account to join the classroom. If we are unable to send an email invitation to your non-gmail account, you will be contacted by a staff member to provide a Gmail address. If you do not have a Gmail account, you can create a free account here. Should you have concerns about this, please contact a Loft staff member at [email protected] or 612-379-8999. For more information on how to use Google Classroom, please see our training manual here.