Class

What You Don't Know: Mystery in Fiction

Maud Casey's The Art of Mystery: The Search for Questions is not about the mystery genre. (Though, if that's what you write, join us anyway!) It's not about coyness or about the frustrating lack of specificity that can leave us baffled or confused, ready to throw a book against the wall. Instead, she's talking about the secrets that enthrall us, the questions that fascinate, the mysteries that leave us rapt with wonder—even after the final page.

We'll pair each of Casey's chapters with short stories or novel excerpts then discuss some profound techniques for the creation of an "inclusive, compelling mystery." Each week will also include concrete writing exercises and prompts to put the ideas to tangible use.

Sample texts will include work by writers such as Chris Abani, Isaac Babel, James Baldwin, Jane Bowles, Carmen Maria Machado, and Yoko Tawada.

Writers who enroll in this class should already feel reasonably comfortable with more basic concepts like plot, character development, setting, dialogue, etc. But students should also expect to get practice with those elements as they enhance their understanding of this more advanced aspect of fiction.

Writers should acquire Maud Casey's The Art of Mystery by the first class meeting.

Please note: no class on November 26 due to Loft office closure.

All Classes listed on the Loft website take place in Central Time.

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.