Class Description
If you've ever sat in front of a blank page not knowing quite how to get your story started, or if you've ever been told your story doesn't really take off until page 2 or 20 or 200, you' re in the right place. In session one, Beginnings, class will open with talking about why beginnings and endings are critical to any piece of writing. We'll read some craft pieces on beginnings by Ann Hood, Aatif Rashid, and others. We'll discuss some breathtaking opening pages from Kiese Laymon, Jesmyn Ward and Jeanette Walls and look at how the author hooks the reader, and keeps us wanting more.
In session two, we'll focus on Endings. Get in late, get out early! But how early? We'll see what Aatif Rashid and other craft writers have to say about endings, and look at the way writers of the same works whose beginnings we examined last week wrapped their stories. We'll also look at endings as beginnings: leaving room for the imagination, or for a sequel. Are you unsure what belongs in your story, what you want to include, where in time and space it needs to end? Bring a piece you'd like to revise or come with a blank page, and we'll workshop your favorite of the pieces you produce in our time together!
Writers of all levels who still find themselves clearing their throats on the page will benefit from this class.
Class Format
This class will take place using Zoom videoconferencing. About 15 minutes before your class is scheduled to begin, you'll receive an email from your instructor with a link to join the class meeting!
Scholarship Information
Thanks to the excellent literary citizenship of our donors, scholarships are available for all GrubStreet classes. To apply, click the gray "APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP" button. In order to be considered for a scholarship, you must complete your application at least one week before the start date of a class. Please await our scholarship committee's decision before registering for the class. We cannot hold spots in classes, so the sooner you apply, the better. Scholarships cannot be applied retroactively.
For more more detailed information about GrubStreet scholarships, including how to contribute to scholarship funds for other students, click here.
Thanks to the excellent literary citizenship of our donors, scholarships are available for all GrubStreet classes. To apply, click the gray "APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP" button. In order to be considered for a scholarship, you must complete your application at least one week before the start date of a class. Please await our scholarship committee's decision before registering for the class. We cannot hold spots in classes, so the sooner you apply, the better. Scholarships cannot be applied retroactively.
For more detailed information about GrubStreet scholarships, including how to contribute to scholarship funds for other students, click here.
This class will take place using Zoom videoconferencing. About 15 minutes before your class is scheduled to begin, you'll receive an email from your instructor with a link to join the class meeting!
Zoom Participation:
Students are not required to turn their camera on, but are encouraged to participate any way they feel comfortable through functions such as the live chat, emoji reactions, and unmuting the microphone. Learn more about using Zoom here.
Zoom Accessibility:
We ask that instructors enable closed captioning and send a transcript of the session after class. You can also enable closed captioning at any time during the meeting. If your instructor forgets to send the transcript, just send ’em an email!