Class Description
The narrative voice of any novel has a huge impact on readers. Is the story told in the first person, or is the narrator omniscient, dipping in and out of all the characters’ perspectives at will? Should the narrative be told from the perspective of a bystander, or should the reader be privy to the main characters’ thoughts and emotions? Determining how much information readers should receive, and in what way, is a crucial and often thorny challenge for all novelists.
In this seminar, we'll discuss various options for narrative voices and the best methods for using each one. We'll look at notable examples from published authors, to explore the advantages and disadvantages of different voices. Through group discussion and (if time allows) an in-class writing exercise, we'll also analyze which narrative voice might suit each attendee’s novel and why, experimenting with different options and examining the ways in which novels can be altered by changing the narrative voice. By the end of the seminar, each writer will have a clear sense of the pros and cons of different narrative voices and a good sense of which voice might work best for their own novel.
Consider taking this seminar alone or alongside the other seminars in this series: Novel Essentials: Narrative Style (March 23), Novel Essentials: Narrative Pacing (May 25), Novel Essentials: Arcs and Endings (June 22).
Class Format
This class will take place in-person at our Center for Creative Writing in Boston's Seaport neighborhood.
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 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.