In “Explorations of Rurality and Rural Voices,” participants will experiment with techniques of observational writing—interaction mapping and relationship charting, sensory-focused descriptions and outlines, and imagery free writing, among others—to clarify the impacts of setting upon character, plot development, pacing, and theme.
Writers—guided by an expansive range of diverse and often contradictory rural novels—will leave the workshop with an actionable narrative animated by hallmarks of rural writing: silence as it modulates pacing, space as it illuminates their clarified theme, sensory detail as it hones plot development, and specificity as a framework to reveal character. Each, in turn, articulates setting and setting as character.

Participants are encouraged to have paper and a few different pens or markers near their computer for this virtual workshop. Those interested to learn more about how “Explorations of Rurality and Rural Voices” will challenge often entrenched representations of rural life and rural fiction can 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.