Novel Revision Series: Symphonic Endings

Class Description

The closing paragraphs and sentences of a novel are what create a reader’s final, takeaway impression; in a very real sense, the ending determines the reader’s final verdict on the book. Great endings do more than simply tie up loose ends; they often distill a book’s thematic content in an unforgettable way, striking a symphonic chord that can echo in a reader’s mind for a lifetime. In this text-oriented seminar, we’ll read the endings of great classic and contemporary novels in order to arrive at a more precise and nuanced understanding of how they work and what they can achieve. In a series of brief writing exercises, we’ll have a chance to apply what we’ve learned to our own works in progress. Students are asked to bring in the last page of a novel they admire, and, optionally, the last several pages of their own novel drafts to use in revision exercises.

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.