Fictional Techniques and Literary Devices for Writers

WHEN Wednesday, September 13 6:30-9:30 pm WHERE mediabistro.com 494 Broadway (Spring & Broome) New York, NY 10012 WHO All writers interested in learning new ways to write and think by exploring fiction as a form. PRICE $65 ($50 for ) more info

Course Details

Many journalists and freelance writers have literary and creative projects that they are developing in their free time. But how do you move from a journalistic tone to a more expressive and imaginative voice? How do you decide between a factual or interpretive narrative? How do you fictionalize real events or determine truth? This seminar will utilize each student's writing practice to illustrate its theoretical points. It will include a short in-class exercise that will serve as a springboard to understanding form.

We will examine the three rhetorical devices that are inherent in all literature so that you can develop appropriate techniques for different kinds of writing assignments. Once these techniques and forms are visible and understood, we will explore how they are interconnected and present in the work you already do. This seminar is well-suited for journalists, non-fiction and fiction writers who want to practice thinking and writing in new ways or simply deepen their understanding of form.

This seminar will also cover:

• How to identify concrete, abstract, and interpretive narrative strategies
• The author as authority
• How to determine opinion from observation

Instructor Bio

Jackson Taylor's Courses

Jackson Taylor helped found the Graduate Writing Program at The New School, where he is the associate director. He's also directed the Prison Writing Program at PEN American Center for over 20 years, where he has edited and written numerous versions to the program's Handbook for Writers in Prison. He acts as a consultant to the Anne Frank Center's Prison Diary Project, and besides teaching courses at The New School, has taught creative writing at Friends of Island Academy and the Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen. His poems have recently appeared in Sleeping Fish, LIT, Witness, and Barrow Street, and will be included in the upcoming anthology What's Your Exit? A Literary Detour through New Jersey. His novel The Blue Orchard is forthcoming in January from Simon and Schuster.

Testimonials

Jackson led a really great class. The participants were all smart and enthusiastic about writing. He was the best writing teacher I have had since college. -- Wanda Castillo

"Before Jackson, my writing was flat and had no direction, but now thanks to him I nearly have a completed manuscript! I highly recommend his workshop." -- Sadeqa Johnson

"Jackson provided the type of feedback, suggestions, and positive reinforcements that supported my growth as a writer. His suggestions for techniques that I can practice, as well as referrals to other resources on writing, are invaluable." -- Suzanne Reisman

"Jackson is an expert in dissecting the art of writing. If you want to heighten your skill in your craft, he is definitely an instructor to seek out." -- Lande Yoosuf

"Jackson was very balanced and credible. His responses were always helpful, constructively honest, and insightful. I am extremely grateful to him." -- Joan Andelman

"Jackson's class was a great way to kick start my writing. I have the confidence to take on assignments. Jackson was a wonderful and encouraging instructor." -- Katie Hut