This 4-week course invites fiction writers of all genres to move beyond the basics of plot structure and dive into the subtler, richer aspects of storytelling. We'll explore how to create complex characters, evoke strong interiority, and craft immersive scenes that resonate with readers. Class texts will include works by Chekov, Attica Locke, Jesmyn Ward, Lauren Groff, and Charles Yu. Through discussions, readings, and hands-on exercises, you'll learn techniques for weaving depth into your fiction without sacrificing narrative drive. Whether you're writing literary fiction or genre, this class will offer you new ways to enrich your stories. Join us to develop your craft and make your fiction come alive on the page.
Whitney Bryant holds an MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Her fiction, nonfiction, and reviews have appeared in The Georgia Review, One Story, Shenandoah, REVISIONIST, and Chapter 16. In order to support her writing habit, she has taught literature and writing to high school and college students in Kentucky, North Carolina, and Virginia over the past fifteen years. She has recently completed a novel in stories. She lives in Nashville with her husband and four cats and enjoys exploring the city's arts scene and the great outdoors.
"Whitney was the perfect blend of encourager and teacher! She is also so skilled in bringing a class together."
"Whitney was fantastic at adapting to all of the different story ideas everyone had. Our group had a wide variety of genres and experience levels and she deftly found a link between every one of them and what we happened to be discussing at the time."
"I really loved Whitney's class! We were constantly encouraged to lead with curiosity, which I'll take with me outside of my creative practice."
