Rendering Scenes that Resonate

Class Description

Whether it’s memoir or fiction, writers are called to craft compelling, forward-moving scenes that contribute to a work's larger meaning. In this workshop, participants will explore craft techniques for successful scene writing, such as writing dialogue and maintaining tension. We’ll also read and discuss examples of powerful scenes from Barbara Kingsolver, R.F. Kuang, Colson Whitehead and Madeline Miller. Together we will practice workshopping our own scenes and use exercises to improve an existing draft or to create something entirely new. Writers will leave with a deeper understanding of how to create well-paced scenes rich with atmosphere, tension and purpose. Open to all prose writers.

Class Format

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.

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 detailed information about GrubStreet scholarships, including how to contribute to scholarship funds for other students, click here.