Do you struggle to structure your story?  To convey the impact of events on your protagonist and have the protagonist drive the plot?  Are you uncertain where to slow down, where to speed up, and how to do either?  Would you like to take readers on an emotional, page-turning experience?

The key to these issues is the skillful use of scenes and sequels.

This course covers the structure and function of scene and sequel for storytellers. Students will learn the elements of scene, the elements of sequel, and how scene and sequel work together. Scene and sequel will be discussed as techniques for both micro- and mid-level plotting; writers who prefer not to outline or plot will learn how to use scene and sequel to draft effectively and identify structure in revision.

Students will also learn how this framework provides better control over other elements of story. In particular, students will learn how to use scene and sequel to ensure that their characters have goals and purpose in order to move the story forward. Students will learn how scene and sequel—along with a variety of other narrative elements—affect pacing, with the result that students will better be able to diagnose and control the pacing of their stories. The course will analyze the concept of a ‘page-turner,’ and explore how scene and sequel can keep readers turning the pages.

Students will also hone their ability to dissect other authors’ work, particularly when it comes to plot and pacing. This practice will help students to continue mastering these techniques independently after the conclusion of the course.

The course is intended for writers of fantastic fiction, an umbrella term encompassing fantasy, science fiction, horror, magical realism, and anything in between. Yet the concepts of scene and sequel are important in all fiction writing, so fiction writers who focus on other genres could profit from this class and would be welcome. The course will cover issues relevant in middle grade, young adult, and adult fiction.

It will be most valuable for beginner to intermediate writers.

Students must be ready to hear about the weaknesses in their writing and to work to strengthen them. Students must also be ready to give feedback to their classmates that is both truthful and helpful.

Our goal as a class is to provide a supportive yet challenging environment that will help students improve their writing.

Each student will have a private meeting with Greg.