April 16, 2009
Posted by Jim Macdonald at 07:17 PM * 15 comments
No, it is not too late to apply to this year’s Viable Paradise Writers’ Workshop, held every autumn on Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts.
Submissions close June 30, 2009.
What is VP? It’s a one-week intensive workshop, featuring a lot of one-on-one and hands-on with the instructors (every one of ‘em working professional writers and/or editors). It’s been going for better than a dozen years. Our students make sales.
Viable Paradise numbers Patrick and Teresa (and me) among its instructors. See us do our party tricks! It also features Shakespeare, beer, jellyfish, and a lot of reading and writing.
So, remember that deadline. June 30. Apply today; beat the rush.
Oh! Every year I want to go.
This year I have a story that is ALMOST finished. If I could find the time to finish it up, MAYBE I could make it happen...
...but I don't know how it ENDS. Which, it turns out, tends to be a problem in writing endings.
Are there scholarships for registration and travel. Strictly out of curiosity, since there's no way I could go this year.
...but I don't know how it ENDS. Which, it turns out, tends to be a problem in writing endings.
The good guys win.
Okay, problem solved.
Are there scholarships for registration and travel.
Dunno. Check with the Intrepid Chief of Staff, Kate. (Write to the VP address.)
This year I have a story that is ALMOST finished. If I could find the time to finish it up, MAYBE I could make it happen...
...but I don't know how it ENDS. Which, it turns out, tends to be a problem in writing endings.
Well, that's one thing workshops are good for.
Signed,
Another One of the Instructors
"Your Majesty. How is this to end?"
"As stories must when love's denied: with tears, and a journey."
punkrockhockeymom @#1:
Ending, schmending. Just stop the story at an intriguing point and let the reader figure out the rest, a la Kelly Link.
I'd go a second time, but I want to leave slots open for others to have the experience.
A side effect of this workshop, however, is that Shakespeare will be ruined for you. Forever. In a good way.
Remus Shepherd: Interesting. Can you expand on that?
punkrockhockeymom @#1: Just Apply.
I applied with no clear idea about how I'd get there, how I'd pay for any of it, how plots were constructed or, um, much of anything.
It's a life-altering adventure.
I had an amazing time, and one of the great graces of it was the sense of community. Yes, I received (and I hope gave) helpful criticism (that I'm still unpacking), but I also got a whole network of other writers, editors, and thinkers--colleagues and friends--who all understand the particular insanity and wonder of the creative life.
It was one of the pivotal experiences in my life as an artist.
Photographic evidence here.
Expand on which, David?
It's a great experience and I'd love to do it again, but there are limited numbers of slots and I don't think I'd get as much out of it as someone new. I'd rather they go and learn something, while I stay home and write.
As for Shakespeare...well, plays *change* when you insert innuendo into them. If the guy playing Hastings goes 'Ow!' after every stage direction that reads, 'Enter Hastings', you begin to see things in a new, hysterical, way. :)
punkrockhockeymom #1: ...but I don't know how it ENDS. Which, it turns out, tends to be a problem in writing endings.
All I ask is that you try not to resolve loose plot lines with group hugs. please. (shudder)
PRHM - I applied with about 5 chapters written. You only need a writing sample - and you might find out that your story really begins two chapters in, or one chapter before what you wrote.
Go ahead - apply. It will change your life, probably in the good way.
-Barbara
Remus@12: I meant the Shakespeare thing. Of course, there's a fair amount of innuendo in a lot of the plays already, much of which needs footnoting nowadays.
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