Strong scenes build a story. In this generative four-week workshop, we will examine the elements of opposition that create a strong scene. How do we shape character, setting, pace, and dialogue as opportunities to create tension and surprise in our fiction? Where can layers of conflict add complexity and dimension? How does a sense of push-pull spur our characters toward growth and change? Each week we will explore the craft elements of a published work, and either start new pieces or revise those in progress. Students will workshop one scene during the course and leave with skills to keep readers invested in a story.
Lara Hughes is a fiction writer who was born in Germany and raised on various military bases. She holds an MFA from Vanderbilt University where she received an Edgar H. Duncan Fellowship Award, taught undergraduate creative writing, and served as Nonfiction Editor for the Nashville Review. She is the winner of the 2022 Emerging Writer’s Prize from The Arkansas International, where her work will be forthcoming in the fall.
"I loved Lara's class! I really enjoyed how Lara structured the class as a blend of lecture, conversation and a few writing exercises. It made the time pass very quickly and the material didn't get overwhelming. I absolutely felt inspired and believe the work I did in this class will help me with some works in progress!"
"Lara was intuitive and responsive, smart and articulate."
