Class Description
Love stories in fiction are almost as plentiful as fiction itself. Many short stories and almost every novel in any genre contain one or more love affairs. Love stories are so ubiquitous, in fact, that it's a wonder most fiction writers don't study them more systematically. In this, craft-oriented seminar, we'll dedicate ourselves to redressing that gap in our knowledge. We'll dissect story structures and exemplary passages from classic and contemporary fiction, asking practical questions such as: How can I portray love and attraction effectively, without falling victim to syrupy sentimentality or cringe-worthy objectification? Is there a universal structure to the love story? Are there qualitative differences between stories of, say, courtship, obsession, marriage, and infidelity? How and when can I write a good sex scene? Participants are asked to bring in passages from their favorite literary love affairs to analyze and discuss. Love stories of all varieties, flavors, and gender orientations are welcome!
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. Classes include:
- Novel Revision Series: Dialogue and the Scene
- Novel Revision Series: Minor and Supporting Characters
- Novel Revision Series: Killer Openings & Symphonic Endings
- Novel Revision Series: Fictional Love Stories
- Novel Revision Series: Point of View and Voice
- Novel Revision Series: Descriptive Writing and Image Systems
- Novel Revision Series: Interiority, Backstory, and Flashback
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!