Courses

Literary Fictions Workshop

Under the direction of John Biguenet and Lauren Grodstein, this class will offer students an opportunity to write short fiction and poetry. Examining the student's own writing alongside published works, the workshop will present instruction in the essential elements of literary forms while providing each participant a community of readers to respond to his or her work. The fundamentals of publishing will also be addressed along with other aspects of succeeding as a professional writer.

Creative Nonfiction Workshop

Journalists Rolf Potts and Lise Funderburg will facilitate this workshop, which delves into the essence of nonfiction storytelling. Since the Paris setting is ripe for place-based narrative, travel writing will be a central aspect of this workshop — but students will also be encouraged to explore the art of personal essay and memoir. Though this class primarily aims to sharpen and evolve writers' instincts for constructing narratives, it will also touch on the practical matters of working with agents and editors, and submitting stories for publication.

Elective Classes

The Paris Notebook (Journal Writing)

Students will keep a notebook throughout the course, working in a variety of modes of journal writing. This notebook will become a source for more finished pieces — poems, memoir, etc. — in the other courses. In-class free-writing assignments will dovetail with independent student excursions in and around Paris.

Presentation and Performance

The drama of the spoken word is the focal point of this one-time seminar. Regardless of the form they wish to explore, writers will learn how to enhance the dramatic potential of their work through readings in the workshop. Writers will grasp how their presentation appears and sounds to others; and why it is essential for publication that a work possess its own voice once removed from the actual writer.

Plays and Screenplays

This one-time seminar will take a practical and literary approach to writing dramatic works for the stage and screen. Writers will learn how these forms differ from other literary genres at both the practical and conceptual level. This class will also examine the intricacies of adapted versus original playwriting and screenwriting.

Submissions and Publication

This end-of-month seminar will give students information, insight and strategies for getting their portfolio work published. Topics covered include literary agents, book publishing and periodical markets — as well as online publishing and new-media venues.

To start the application process, send an email to: info@pariswritingworkshop.com