Best of Both: Depth and Artistry with Plot
Are you familiar with the hot topic of MFA vs NYC? It came out of an article that drew attention to the gap between the kind of literary writing that comes out of the MFA programs and the more plot-driven work that gets attention from agents in New York. Ellen T. McKnight, author, teacher and one of the most popular OCWW presenters last year, shows us how to have the best of both--literary artistry and powerful plot. ”My goal is to help writers make their literary novels more saleable and their plot-driven novels more significant and profound,” says Ellen. Topics in the first week will include plot for the non-plot driven novel, planning vs improvising, the propulsive power of scene, pace beyond plot, seamless backstory and interiors, the release of energy into action, and finding your hook. Both weeks will be relevant to all kinds of writing, whether more literary or more commercial.
Ellen T. McKnight is a fiction writer and poet whose publications appear in literary journals and anthologies. Her novel, The Ex-Mom, made the Finalist Short List in the Faulkner Writing Competition as a novel-in-progress. She teaches writing workshops to independent writers' groups and hosts a blog about writing – Connecting through Story – at ellentmcknight.com. Her blog has been featured on She Writes. Follow her @EllenTMcKnight on Twitter.
Ellen will accept manuscripts for critique received by 9:30 AM April 13th. Please see manuscript guidelines for further information.
Registration and Socializing: 9:00AM-9:30AM
Program 9:30AM-12:00PM
