(2009) Sunday Afternoon Seminars

Sessions will highlight our 2009 theme, “Vision and Voice.” VISION is an interweaving of plot, character and theme. It ultimately includes re-vision, which must flow with a consistent, engaging voice. VOICE is not merely dialogue, though the latter may express it. Voice is a singular element that editors and agents actively seek, yet which they may barely (or rarely) define.

Does the elusive “strong voice” mean rhythm, personality, attitude, writing style, or all of these combined? Is voice the illusion of a character speaking, instead of the author writing? Can writers achieve the most compelling voice only through first-person narrative? How do we recognize a distinctive literary voice, and create an authentic one in our own fiction? Our seminars will explore these critical issues with faculty and savvy-lively peers.

Discover how capturing emotional moments on the page helps create a unique voice and vivid characters—elements that let you tell the story only you can tell. Our session will combine guided peer critiques with animated discussion. Designed for articulate teens who are passionate about fiction, have a flair for writing, and would like to develop their craft. Led by adjunct faculty Zu Vincent, author of YA novel The Lucky Place (Front Street Books, 2008; winner of a 2009 Honor Award for the Paterson Prize). Zu holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts.

Enjoy a purposeful “seaside chat” with renowned faculty author Marion Dane Bauer, as she expands concepts she has presented throughout the weekend—such as how to discover and connect with the emotional core that leads to your climax, resolution, and rendering of theme; i.e., the unfolding of your narrative vision.

Since vision transcends the scrutiny of craft, Marion will focus on macro issues such as story structure and shape. Her hands-on exercise will help you create (or enhance) your story plan, building characters and examining their trajectory. Another vehicle for exploration will be your synopsis. We’ll consider and/or share some revisions in this session.

Marion will also share solutions she’s encountered on her voyage from vision and revision to publication. To enjoy revising, she says, “The key is never to think of it as fixing something you did wrong the first time. Rather, think of it as improving something you already love.”

Marion’s labors of love include her Newbery Honor winner On My Honor, a sensitive middle-grade novel, and What’s Your Story? A Young Person’s Guide to Writing Fiction—a treasure for grownup writers, as well. For more bio and her web link, visit our faculty page. For a preview of Marion’s “Vision and Voice” insights (developed at both weekend sessions), visit our homework page. Jumpstart your participation now!