In “Animal Fiction” participants will explore often overlooked elements of craft—theme, symbolism, motivation, tone, and mood—to enrich the narrative significance and function of animals in their writing. Through hands-on techniques —ranging from character mapping to cause-and-effect charts that take the human/animal dynamic into account—participants will grapple with what these characters mean and clarify what they do.

These broader explorations of narrative impact and authorial intent will be framed by fictional animals, both popular and obscure, from an eclectic range of novels. At the end of this virtual workshop, participants will leave with a personally-relevant checklist for developing animal characters. To learn more about how “Animal Fiction” will use often underutilized elements of craft to relationally reframe animal characters, please email the instructor for the course outline.

Please note: This class or event will be held online (using Zoom or a similar live platform). To participate, students or attendees should have a stable internet connection. Class participants: you should have a computer or device with a webcam and microphone; and your Zoom link will be automatically sent to you after you register. Check your spam box if you don't see it.