Yeah, But Is Any Editor Going to Read on to Page 2?

A master writing class with Steve Almond
(A Workshop on the Radical Importance of Finding Your Narrator)

Writing's all fun and games, until the rejections start piling up. In this intensive (though informal!) workshop, we'll aim to make sure your stories, or essays, draw the reader in, rather than leaving them in the dark. We'll take a second look at your opening pages, as well as the opening pages of works by Lorrie Moore, Saul Bellow, and others, in an effort to understand how to create a strong, independent narrator.

Note: participants should bring in the first 500 words of a manuscript — ideally a manuscript that's been rejected. In fact, it would be best to bring in two manuscripts. Please resist the urge to rewrite them. Bring two copies of excerpts (one for Steve to mark up as you read).

Friday, October 7th, 1-4 pm
• $50 per student
• 24 person maximum
• at Writers' Dojo

Steve Almond is the author the story collections My Life in Heavy Metal and The Evil B.B. Chow, the novel Which Brings Me to You (with Julianna Baggott), and the non-fiction books Candyfreak, Not That You Asked, and Rock and Roll Will Save Your Life. He is also, crazily, self-publishing books called This Won't Take But a Minute, Honey, and Letters from People Who Hate Me. His new story collection, God Bless America will be out in October.

Considerations

There is plenty of free street parking near the Dojo.
No shoes are worn inside the Dojo. Slippers welcome.
No smoking is allowed on the property.
Unfortunately, Writers' Dojo is not wheelchair accessible.
Just blocks from bus routes 17, 44, 4, 75, and 16.
See a map and directions to Writers' Dojo.

Payment options

To pay by check, please make payable to "Writers' Dojo". (Please include contact information and a note for which class you plan to attend.) Send to: 7518 N. Chicago Ave., Portland, OR 97203

We also accept Visa and Mastercard by phone or on in person. Please call us at: (503) 706-0509