The Muse & the Marketplace 2016

Story structure is a taboo subject in a discussion of literary fiction, and yet is (sadly) all too often lacking in beginning manuscripts. Using tools from multiple genres and forms, this session will set out to demystify the process of dramatic structure. What makes a novel go? How do we know characters by what they do (rather than what we are told about them)? What do your characters want, specfically? And how do their efforts to get what they want go horribly, spectacularly, entertainly wrong? What are the four ways to end a scene? What does "scene and sequel" mean? You can expect to leave the session with practical tools to work on your story engine, as well as a confidence about tackling that novel you've always wanted to write. A novel-in-progress is not a prerequisite--you only need a healthy imagination and a willingness to sail into unfamiliar waters.