Narrative drive in historical fiction

Narrative drive is the sense of movement that propels a story forward, creating momentum. It is what makes readers want to keep reading. This workshop will teach you how to create forward propulsion through the careful intertwining of character, plot points, and historical facts. You’ll learn how to choose a background or world event that reflects thematically what’s happening to your characters without making the reader overtly aware of it. You’ll also learn how to write rich, accurate historical narrative, and be guided on how to use research tools, including but not limited to, old photographs, archival content, museum pieces, and traveling to places of interest that will enrich your story and expand your boundaries. Please bring materials and a willingness to share.

Note that Paula McLain is replacing Sara Gruen, who was originally scheduled as this workshop’s instructor.