Revision is more than just polishing language or rearranging the order of various scenes. In this workshop, participants will receive comprehensive feedback on their full novel or memoir draft while also learning how to stay organized and focused during the writing process, structure a book-length work, and conjure up a vivid narrative world. Together, we’ll dive into the three phases of revision: identifying the heart of the story, fully entering the world of that story, and shaping the story with an eye toward the reader’s experience. You’ll leave the class newly inspired about your book project, with a solid plan for your next draft. All genres of fiction and nonfiction are welcome.
About the class:
This manuscript workshop is designed to support and inspire writers who have already completed at least half of a novel or memoir by the beginning of the workshop.
The workshop has two kinds of participants: those who want to workshop their manuscripts (5 spaces), and those who want to read and learn from watching the others in the workshop (5 spaces). Unlike most other workshops, we’ll read entire manuscripts, up to 400 double-spaced, 12 point font pages. Reader participants will not workshop their pieces—instead they will read submissions and contribute to discussion, while also learning how to tackle a book-length manuscript.
Our two-and-a-half hour class meetings will take place every other week, with the exception of the last three weeks, during which we will meet each week. Over the course of the class, participants will also read and dissect two published books, one chosen by the instructor and one chosen by the participant.
Writer participants class cost, $800: Writer participants will turn in at least 150 pages of a novel or memoir, preferably a full draft. Each participant in the class will read the whole manuscript, comment on it as a whole, and read a short revision during the final month.
Reader participants cost, free: Readers get to read the work of working writers, discuss their work, and learn from class discussions about the process of writing a book-length. They are encouraged to sign up for the spring manuscript workshop as writers, but not required to. Please put the following discount code in so you won’t be charged, but will still be signed up: reader.
Instructor Bio:
Jessica Wilbanks is the author When I Spoke in Tongues, a memoir about faith and its loss (Beacon Press, 2018). She has received a Pushcart Prize as well as creative nonfiction awards from Ninth Letter, Sycamore Review, Redivider, and Ruminate magazine. Her work has appeared in The Guardian, Salon, Houston Chronicle, Sojourners, The Rumpus, Longreads, and Lit Hub, and has received Notable Mentions from Best American Essays and Best American Nonrequired Reading. For more information, visit http://jessicawilbanks.com.