Fiction workshops
“The process of writing fiction begins with everything that is known and then, if it is successful, takes a leap forward into the unknown. You’re there in the unknown to serve the mysteries of your own creation, and your own end.” – Christopher Tilghman
The fiction workshops provide opportunity for the various aspects of craft (narrative technique, use of language, characterization, realization of theme/idea) to be reviewed and strengthened. Workshops meet two hours each day over five days. You will work exclusively with one faculty writer of your choice. He or she will lead a thorough discussion of your manuscript in workshop, and will also meet with you in a brief tutorial to discuss your work.
The schedule also includes talks by faculty writers, panels featuring visiting editors and agents, and readings by the faculty at Napa Valley wineries.
Visit the application page for full details about how to apply to the 2012 conference.
Fiction workshop manuscripts
A 10 to 15 page manuscript is required as part of the application process. Once accepted, writers may submit a manuscript of either a story or novel chapter not exceeding 7,500 words in length for critique in the workshop.
Generally we discourage submissions of more than one story. If you have two short shorts (each 1,250 words or less), please get in touch with Lakin Khan, Fiction Director, for permission to submit them.
Novel excerpts should be clearly identified as such. If the excerpt is the beginning of the novel, it is not necessary to include a synopsis. If a later chapter(s), include a synopsis of no more than two pages. The entire excerpt, including synopsis, may not exceed 7,500 words.
All participants benefit — especially the writer — when the stories and novel excerpts under discussion have been carefully and thoughtfully prepared yet still have room for growth. Avoid the two extremes of workshop submission — the over-workshopped, ossified story on the one hand, and the draft that is barely a gleam in someone’s eye on the other.
