WS292 Bringing Stories to Life: The craft of scene

For all levels - Memoir, Novel, Short Story 

DESCRIPTION

Scene is where stories come alive on the page. It’s where readers feel, understand, and step inside a story’s world. It’s also where the demands of a writer’s craft are greatest: strong scenes hold both action rendered in sensory, dramatic detail and the interior voice that shapes how readers experience the story.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

Character & Setting Craft:

• Ground story in vivid, purposeful locations; 
• Create characters with clear motivation and authentic behavior
• Develop compelling dialogue that reveals character

Pacing & Structure:

Voice & Subtext:

Each writer is workshopped at least twice over the term; submissions up to 1,500 words per turn, which allows for detailed feedback. Sessions include:

• Study of effective published scenes
• Analysis exercises mapping scene and expository techniques
• Supportive read-alouds of new work
• Collaborative workshopping of three participants' pieces
• Q&A on scene craft and technique

COURSE OUTCOME

By the workshop's end, you'll have developed a compelling narrative scene and gained the confidence to craft stories that invite readers in and hold their attention.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Becky Ellis's debut memoir, Little Avalanches (Regalo Press, 2024), won the Rubery Book Award for Best Nonfiction Book of the Year and was a finalist for the Oregon Book Award. Her work has appeared in Northwest Review, The Ethel, Best Small Fictions, Psychology Today, and others. 

Find out more about her at beckyellis.net.