Novel Revision Series: Dramatic Structure - Remote!

Class Description

If you were to draw a simple diagram of the plot of your novel-in-progress, what would it look like? How about a more detailed drawing? Using examples from classic and contemporary novels together with various forms of graphic visualization this class will take a deep dive into the nuts and bolts of dramatic structure in the novel. We’ll begin on the micro level with concepts such as pattern and variation, grip and release, and classic story progression, and move on to macro level concerns such as the external vs internal story, the inciting incident, and progressive complications. We’ll examine graphic representations of various large-scale novel structures including the three act structure, the hero’s journey, multiple story lines, the quartile structure, and more—and we’ll discuss strategies for assessing and improving the underlying architecture of your own work.

Part of GrubStreet's Novel Revision Series, led by Tim Weed and designed for those who have either finished or are nearing completion of a novel draft. Take every class in the series or simply choose the craft topics that are relevant to the revision challenges you face with your novel in progress. Spring classes include:

• Novel Revision Series: Image Systems

This class will be hosted using live Zoom meetings! You will be able to participate in class via Zoom videoconference from wherever you’re most comfortable. All you’ll need is a laptop or a phone! 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 via Zoom–no need to download anything or sign up for Zoom in advance! If you have questions about remote learning, please feel free to reach out to [email protected] for more information.

For a glimpse at how remote learning works, look no further than the deep Zoom discussion of writing and literature below:

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.