Class Description

Conventional advice is always advocating that strong dialogue not only furthers characterization but also pushes the story’s plot forward. Okay, sure, that sounds good but how do we really do that? When you’re home alone watching the cursor flash, cursing the clunky dialogue that mocks you from the page, how can you fix things and have your dialogue accomplish those two towering goals? The first thing we worry about is what are characters are actually saying. Each word spoken helps the reader form her/his own opinion about the character(s), their preoccupations, biases, passions, etc. Then to compound that issue, it’s just as important to emphasize how the characters are communicating with one another: the way in which the information is being conveyed, its mood and demeanor. We’ll examine many techniques to solve these problems, as well as examining published works for inspiration. And of course, we’ll write write write. You can only learn how to construct solid dialogue by practicing! Please note that we will skip May 27 for Memorial Weekend to make a total of 4 sessions. All sessions will be recorded and made available in the event you need to miss a week. Instructor bio: Joshua Mohr is the author of seven books, most recently the memoir MODEL CITIZEN (FSG/MCD). He's also scribbled SOME THINGS THAT MEANT THE WORLD TO ME, one of Oprah's Top 10 of 2009, and TERMITE PARADE, an editors' choice in the New York Times. ALL THIS LIFE won the Northern California book award. He is the founder of Decant Editorial and has sold TV shows to AMC, Amblin, and ITV.

Cancellation Policy

Because class size is limited, refunds are not given unless we can fill your spot.

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