Class

Lit!Series Intensive Workshop: Troping the Novel

In this generative and conceptual workshop we’ll study and upend both classic and modern tropes—in sources ranging from high-flying Roman rhetoric to steamy romance novels. Thinking, talking, and writing through novelistic mainstays like setting and character dynamics we’ll develop new ways to create compelling, even unexpected, relationships between our figures and (their) actions. We will also explore how familiarity with the more hackneyed tropes of story craft—i.e. beats, research, plotting—can translate into savvy, original writing when the more you know, the more you know!

This advanced class requires a submission in order to be considered. Writers are asked to submit either the first ten pages or a sustained character interaction from their novel (2500 words max), in 12pt font, to [email protected] with “Lit!Series Workshop: J Vanessa Lyon” in the subject line, within 1 week of registering for the class. Please ensure your name and contact information (email, phone number) appear on the writing sample and in your email signature. Only PDF or Word documents will be accepted; please send as an attachment to your email, do NOT send in the body of your email. Incorrect formats will not be accepted. In addition to verbal feedback, brief narrative comments will be provided following the class.

This workshop includes two lunch-time learning events, Saturday with Roxane Gay and Sunday with visiting agents Joy Tutela, Rayhané Sanders, Christopher Combemale and editor Emily Burns. You may add-on an optional lunch for both days or bring your own.

This intensive takes place in-person, at the Loft at Open Book.