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  • 1 Or 2 Day Seminar
  • In-Person: Seaport
  • Adult (18+)

Dialogue: Text and Subtext

No Longer Enrolling

  • $150.00 Non-Member
  • $130.00 Member

Class Description

Do you struggle writing dialogue in your fiction or nonfiction? Have you struggled to tap into your characters’ unique speech patterns, or articulate their thoughts as only they would? We will look at a range of literary examples, including writing by Alice Munro, Zadie Smith, Aleksandar Hemon, and others, and consider how these authors pull back a curtain via dialogue and let us into layers of subtext in human relationships. You should bring to class a loose outline of a story-in-progress or one you would like to write (you may also bring in a partial or full draft of a piece), and we’ll explore how you might use dialogue even more effectively to reveal your characters. If time allows, we will do some in-class writing. You will come away from the class with a greater sense of what is possible as you find ways to let your characters speak to one another as only they can. Some readings will need to be done in advance; these will be emailed by the instructor before the class. The principles discussed will be useful for writers of both fiction and nonfiction. Writers of all levels are welcome.

Scholarships Format/Location

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 in-person at our Center for Creative Writing in Boston's Seaport neighborhood.


Covid-19 Update:

GrubStreet's space will be mask-optional when Boston's Covid-19 Community Level is low or medium. When the Covid-19 Community Level is high, our space will require masks. Please check GrubStreet's Covid-19 page for the latest info on masking and Community Levels before visiting in person.


Space Accessibility:

Our space is ADA accessible with automatic door openers, ADA-compliant restrooms, desk and table spacing, braille signage, and elevator. Our classrooms can be equipped with ALS for hard of hearing individuals. We cannot guarantee a scent-free environment. For more accessibility requests, please contact our Operations team at [email protected] or (617) 695-0075.