| Through 12 virtual lessons, we will explore the craft behind the prose. We will focus on the essentials as well as dedicate time to writing and experimentation. We will discuss the lessons, read accompanying short fiction, and use prompts to generate new work. From writing the “truth”, to making our characters believable, we will dive deep into each students’ work using new ways to critique and edit. Upon completion of this class you will be ready to write your first piece of long fiction. No experience is necessary for this class. |
This course is an exciting way for you to create a writing foundation before going on to longer projects. It’s perfect for writers who do not have time for a workshop, but are looking for one-on-one feedback. There are 12 craft and content lessons which you can complete at your own pace, with the freedom to stop and start as you move through each lesson.
How it Works:
Each section consists of a lesson, a corresponding reading, and a small writing assignment. The lessons will alternate between focusing on craft and content.
Once you have gone over one lesson, read the corresponding reading, and written your assignment, you will send the assignment to me for line-edits and feedback. You can also list specific questions (if you have any) when you return your assignment.
From there you can wait for my feedback (between 12-48 hours) or simply keep going.
All correspondence is done via email.
This class is ongoing and can be purchased and started whenever you are ready.
$400 for the full course.
A SELECTION OF BOOKS PREVIOUSLY WORKSHOPPED IN MY CLASS!
NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY The Wall Street Journal • NPR • New York Public Library • LitHub • Mental Floss
“In the workshop I took with Rachel Sherman…she impressed me with her generosity as a reader: even though students were working in many different genres, from prose poetry to magical realism to traditional literary fiction, Rachel looked at each piece on its own terms, with a keen eye for its particular strengths and weaknesses. She also creates a welcoming, respectful environment in the classroom where everyone’s voice is heard. After studying with Rachel, I had a much clearer sense of what direction my novel needed to go. She’s a terrific teacher, and I highly recommend her course.”-Chandler Klang Smith (author of THE SKY IS YOURS)
NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY The Globe and Mail • Glamour • TIME • Real Simple • Good Housekeeping • Marie Claire • Town & Country • Bustle
Set in a world inspired by pre-Shogun era Japan, this is a stunning debut fantasy in the vein of Grace Lin about how a young pearl diver goes to the ends of the earth to rescue her twin sister, who has been stolen by a ghost whale.
Rachel Sherman is a master of the craft and a gifted, compassionate teacher. Her critiques are generous and insightful, at both the macro level (narrative structure, thematic development) and the micro level (line editing). Most importantly, she creates a safe, supportive space for writers to share their work. Thanks to the regular submission deadlines and Rachel’s invaluable feedback, I was able to complete a first draft of a middle-grade novel called The Pearl Hunter — which will be published by HarperCollins/Balzer+Bray in early 2023!
– Miya T. Beck (Mariko Beck)