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Hours

Mon: 5 p.m. - 9 p .m.
Tues: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Wed: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Thurs: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Fri: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sat: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.



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Fiction

Advanced Fiction

F10-F01
8 Wednesdays, 7 – 9 p.m.
Sept. 30 through Nov. 11
$175 W&B members / $180 general public
Instructor: Martin Naparsteck

This workshop is designed to help experienced writing students take their fiction to the next level. Character, plot, narration, dialogue, voice, theme, and everything else that goes into the best fiction will be discussed. Participants will have the opportunity to critique and be critiqued in a supportive atmosphere.  Participants are expected to have some workshop experience or some practice at writing fiction.

Register Online

Science Fiction and Fantasy Writing Workshop

F10-F02
7 Wednesdays, 7–9 p.m.
Nov. 4 through Dec. 16
$142 W&B members / $149 general public
Instructor: Nancy Kress

Science fiction stories—in print, audio, and on the big screen—are more popular than ever. Whether you are interested in writing short stories or novels, this workshop will guide you through the challenges of writing tales of science fiction (that extrapolate upon existing scientific theory) and fantasy stories (that are true departures from reality). Learn all about the genres and sub-genres that make up this thriving literature, as well as how to market your work to appropriate publishers. Participants are expected to bring to class at least a
first draft of a short story or one chapter of a novel to share with the group for constructive in-class critique sessions.

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Beginning Story Writing

F10-F03
7 Tuesdays 7-9 p.m.
Sept. 29 through Nov. 10
$142 W&B members / $149 general public
Instructor: Steven Huff 

You’ve always wanted to write fiction but have not known where to begin. This class will examine the basic principles and techniques of fiction that everyone new to fiction writing needs to know: Point-of-view, dialogue, plotting, and character development. Learn to dig into your own cache of memories and experiences for story material, train your ear for authentic dialogue, and learn the mechanics of creating a scene. The class will hold a finale reading, Friday evening at 7 p.m. in the Writers & Books performance space. This course will be followed by an intermediate class in the winter term.

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Storyboarding for Fiction Writers

F10-F04
1 Saturday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. [ONE DAY]
Sept. 19
$49 W&B members / $55 general public
Instructor: Len Messineo

Storyboarding is an often-overlooked weapon in the fiction writer’s arsenal. It can be invaluable in planning a work or critiquing a completed draft. The instructor will explore various ways to establish a storyboard using paper or software, and examine ways to ensure that a story has a well-plotted arc, thematic coherence, a clear through-line, and adequate character development.

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The Art of Revision: Seeing Anew

F10-F05
6 Wednesdays, 7-9 p.m.
September 23 through Oct. 28
$115 W&B members / $120 general public
Instructor: Melissa Slocum

You’ve written your short story or and put sweat, tears, and even a little blood into the draft. But now, you’re stuck. How can you begin to revise? In this workshop we will explore various levels and elements of revision. Students will bring in drafts for critique and discussion. Participants will be expected to have some workshop experience, and have written a few stories or chapters, though not necessarily to have published.

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Flashes of Fiction

F10-F06
6 Mondays 7-9 p.m.
Nov. 2 through Dec. 7
$115 W&B members / $120 general public
Instructor:
Melissa Slocum

In this class we will study and write flash friction, looking at what makes this form so unique. We will look at how palpable and rich these different story textures can become and how other authors weave elements with few words. In the last few classes we will workshop stories that you have begun in class. But also feel free to bring in stories you started before the course began to get feedback from the teacher and your peers. Our focus and discussions will revolve around students’ writing as well as the work of selected authors.

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Writing Sex Scenes

F10-F07
3 Mondays, 7-9 p.m.
Sept. 21 through Oct. 5
$61 W&B members / $65 general public
Instructor: Jennifer Talty

A sex scene isn't about the sex, but about the emotion the characters are experiencing. It's an action scene and should have purpose. It should move the story and the characters forward. Many writers wonder about how far they should go in a sex scene. Should it be a closed-door scene? What kind of language should you use? What should you show? Do you even need a sex scene? How can you create sexual tension without sex?

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Conflict Box

F10-F08
2 Mondays, 7-9 p.m.
Oct. 12 through Oct. 19
$49 W&B members / $55 general public
Instructor: Jennifer Talty

Participants should bring a one- or two-page synopsis or general outline of their story. Nothing has to be written in the story, just the basic idea. Conflict is the fuel to your story. Without conflict, your story will collapse. Students will learn to create a "conflict box" for their main story insuring the conflict lock. From there you will map out the three major turning points of your story. The dark moment as well as the resolution making sure your story is as tight as it can be.

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Creating a Killer Antagonist and Kick-ass Protagonist

F10-F09
Oct. 26
1 Monday, 7-9 p.m.
$39 W&B members / $43 general public
Instructor: Jennifer Talty

Characters are what readers remember. Having strong characters are key to helping create the necessary tension and conflict to keep your readers turning the page. Students develop character sheets for both their major characters, making sure goals and motivation are in direct opposition. You will also develop character arcs to help guide the writer through each change a character will go through to reach (or fail) with their ultimate goals. You will learn techniques and strategies to help the writer stay on task with their characters so they stay true to who they are in the book.

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The Bertrand Russell Society

Thurs, Sept. 9
Hosted by David White
Free to W&B members, $3 general public, 7 p.m., W&B

The Bertrand Russell Society was formed shortly after Russell’s death in 1970. Russell was born in 1872 and worked in fields such as mathematical logic; philosophy; social, religious, and educational reform; anti-war protests and politics. An accomplished writer, Russell received the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1950. This ongoing lecture series promises to enlighten and entertain. Monthly meetings are open to everyone, not just to members of the society.

Visiting Writer Series: Nancy Agabian and Cathy Salibian

Thurs. Sept. 9:
$3 W&B members / $6 general public. 7 p.m.
Hosted by Steve Huff

The Visiting Writer Series brings together Writers from out of town as well as from the Greater Rochester Area.

Monthly Story Slam

Signup: 6:30 pm
Sept. 10, 7-9 p.m.
Hosted by: Carol Roberts

An open mic of true loose and spontaneous stories based on one’s own life! Each performer gets approximately 5 minutes. Signup list at front desk 1/2 hour before or sign up by emailing Carol Roberts at crobert8@rochester.rr.com with “Monthly Sign Up” in the subject line.

Genesee Reading Series

Sept. 14: Steve Lewandowski and Lori Nolasco
$3 W&B members / $6 general public, 7:30 p.m.
Hosted by Wanda Schubmehl

Now in its 26th year, the Genesee Reading Series presents writers from the greater Genesee Valley region reading in the W&B Performance Space. Click here to learn more.

Senior Reading Group

Sept. 14
Free and open to the public, 2-4 p.m.
Hosted by Norm Davis

Share your writing with other seniors in a comfortable atmosphere at W&B.

History Reading Group

Sept. 16: Pericles
Free W&B members, $3 for general public , 7 p.m.
Hosted by Steve Huff

Join Writers & Books’ history buffs as they explore the big issues and personalities of history. We do not choose specific books, only subjects. You can read any book or other material on the subject and join the discussion. Meets on the third Thursday of each month.

 

Click here for more August Events...

 

 

Writers & Books, Rochester's community literary center, inspires and instructs over 25,000 people each year through a wide array of offerings in nearly every literary genre. Believing that the written and spoken word are central to our lives and culture, Writers & Books celebrates, promotes and works to make them available to all. Writers & Books is located at 740 University Avenue, near Atlantic Avenue in the Neighborhood of the Arts.