Saturday, July 20th, 2024

Live Seminar Via Zoom 10AM – 1PM CST

Any questions about this class? Use the Chat Button (lower left) to talk with us.

Led by Amber Sparks, author of an upcoming novel, Happy People Don’t Live Here, an upcoming short story collection, Did Parents In the Middle Ages Love Their Children? (both from Liveright/W.W. Norton), and four collections of short fiction, including And I Do Not Forgive You: Revenges and other Stories and The Unfinished World. Her fiction and essays have appeared in American Short Fiction, the Paris Review, Slate, Tin House, Granta, The Cut and elsewhere.

Many writers dismiss fairy tales outright as childish stuff, sure that those simplistic tales and flat characters, full of easy magic and gated logic, could not possibly have anything to do with serious writing.

But fairy tales are the building blocks of so many of our oldest stories and contain some of our oldest story forms, useful to everyone who writes - both fiction and non-fiction.

In this class, we'll talk about how to use the form, structures, elements, themes, and tropes of fairy tales in generating fiction and non-fiction in any genre, as well as in editing your writing and finding new ways to play with what you've got on the page.

No need to have any prior fairy tale knowledge! You'll come as you are, and leave with two pieces of writing to build on. 

This seminar is perfect for writers of all levels and genres who are looking to infuse their work with fresh, imaginative elements and timeless storytelling techniques. No matter what you write, this course will provide you with innovative tools to enhance your narrative craft and make your stories stand out.

Can't Make It Live?

No problem! The session will be recorded and available to watch after the seminar concludes.

COURSE TAKEAWAYS:

Unlock Timeless Storytelling Techniques: Dive deep into the fundamental structures and elements of fairy tales and learn how to apply these timeless techniques to enhance your fiction and non-fiction writing. Discover how these ancient forms can breathe new life into your storytelling, making your work more engaging and resonant.

Transform Your Writing Approach: Through interactive discussions and practical exercises, gain the tools to use fairy tale themes and tropes in your writing process. Whether you're drafting new pieces or editing existing ones, this course will show you innovative ways to play with narrative structure and character development, helping you to craft more compelling and imaginative stories.

Create and Expand Your Work: By the end of the seminar, you'll have two new pieces of writing that incorporate the unique elements of fairy tales. These pieces will serve as a foundation for future projects, showcasing your ability to blend classic storytelling methods with your own creative voice, and setting you apart in any genre you choose to explore.

YOU'LL TAKE HOME:

• Two pieces of writing to build on.
• New and inspiring craft wisdom.
• Further recommended reading, too.
  

TAKE THIS CLASS IF:

• You're finding the constraints of your current writing practice too limiting.
• You want exposure to a range of new approaches to bring to your writing practice.
  
• You want an expanded sense of what is possible in your work.
  

WHY YOU SHOULD SIGN UP:

Writers should sign up for this seminar to uncover the hidden potential of fairy tale structures and themes, which can enrich and transform their storytelling across any genre. With guidance from acclaimed author Amber Sparks, participants will learn to craft more compelling narratives and leave the course with two new pieces of writing that showcase their enhanced skills.

TESTIMONIALS:

"One of the more creative workshops I have ever taken. Amber Sparks really got me to think in different and creative ways. It was the right class at the right time for me."

"I really enjoyed Amber Sparks' workshop on Fractured Narrative! Great list of possible approaches to non-linear story-telling with helpful references to specific author's works as examples. Good exercises. Really enjoyed the chat input from other attendees as well. Great value for the price."

"I loved the specific ideas and recommendations about writings, authors, essays, etc, to check out, talking about specific elements of fiction. Honestly, for a 3-hour seminar, it was excellent!"

"I really enjoyed the focused writing exercises in Amber's seminar. It was a lot of fun!"

"This was the perfect balance between lecture presentation/writing exercises/ Q&A."

"I found everything about this class valuable, from the in-class readings, suggested readings/media, writing exercises, class (chat) conversation, and friendly camaraderie, and the enthusiastic, knowledgeable, empathetic instructor. Would highly recommend it."

"I appreciated Amber's familiarity, love, and expertise of the genre fantastic, along with the excellent mix of example and practice writing. Plus, this was a well-timed class."

"Amber's class exceeded my expectations because of the time to write, edit, rethink, and share with others through a small group."

"I loved the concrete tips and techniques and playful exercises that helped us use them right away."

"Yes, this seminar was wonderful. It was full of ideas and insights that I found really helpful and that I'm hoping to use in my writing. I can't point to just one specific thing. The class completely exceeded my expectations."

"I had high expectations from having taken a class with Amber before, and my expectations were certainly met and perhaps exceeded. This class provided so many stimulating ideas. Highly recommend."

ONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:

This class will meet via Zoom.

• Amber Sparks | Live via Zoom

• Saturday, July 20th, 2024 from 10AM - 1PM CST

• Seminar is fully ONLINE and meets via Zoom
  

• Tuition is $75.