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Conferences
FAQ
Novel Writing Courses
Faculty
Method, Syllabus, and Reading List
 If you wish to compare Algonkian events click here.
If you wish to read writer/agent/author reviews click here.
If you wish to visit and review Algonkian events click here.
If you wish to overview articles on advanced fiction craft click here.
Successful literary and commercial authors provide models for study purposes, and as a result, our writers are able to apply competitive narrative and plot craft in the context of their own novel. We refer to this method as "model-and-context." Using this Algonkian method, writers focus on creating a single publishable work within their chosen genre. In addition, they are taught the realities of the American literary market through the agent interaction and pitch process. The conferences and shops devote equal time to developing a high level of technique. Writers read, analyze and discuss novel elements of plot, complication and drama, theme, scene construction, narrative, prose style, and other craft techniques learned from the following authors/playwrights below.
See below also for a comprehensive article reading list that references works on Algonkian Author Salon.Com written by Algonkian director Michael Neff, and others, as well as a list of novels studied or referenced in the workshops.
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1. What The Successful Author Must Possess |
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Platform-Premise-Execution at 110%, Market Basics, "The Plan," Craft Basics, Purpose-Passion-Tenacity, Single Best Author Tool + A Great Pitch. |
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Exercise: Students role play as senior editorial staff at Random House and review a manuscript submission, arguing either for acceptance or rejection of the author's work. Study guide readings and discussion. |
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2. Market Reality and Pragmatic Thinking |
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Author Needs vs. Market Demands, Nuances of Genre vs. "Literary", What the Commercial Caesar Demands, Insider Info, Fierce Competition and Agent Targeting, From the Heart But Smart, Pitching the Novel, Log Lines and Query Letters. |
Algonkian agent and workshop faculty |
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Discussion, Q&A, novel pitch sessions and reaction. |
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3. Drama's Most Powerful Elements in The Novel |
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Drama Theory, Statement of Conflict, Rising Action, Three Act Structure, 15 Steps of Complication, Reader Reaction Flow. |
Dryden, H. Miller, Krutch, Kesey |
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Exercise and Assignments: creation and elaboration on each student's major conflict/complication in the novel and in synch with practicing the novel pitch. Study Guide readings and discussion. |
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4. The Intellectual Trace of Theme |
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Statement of Theme, Importance, Application and Representation, the Ripple Effect and Impact of Theme Throughout the Novel. |
Malraux, West, Kesey, Ionesco, Neff |
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Exercise: creation of a primary theme statement for novel. Study Guide readings and discussion. |
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5. Know Your Story, Know Your Characters |
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Animation Sketching, Cognition and Affect, Social Reaction Profile, Ticks and Tags, Epiphany and Emotional Evolution, The Power of Great Antagonists, Sympathetic Protagonist in First Ten Pages. |
Patchett, Martel, Kidd, Albom, S. Anderson, E. Brontë, Fitzgerald, West, Hemingway |
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Exercise: students sketch a unique and sympathetic protagonist in the context of the first ten pages of their novel. Study Guide readings and discussion. |
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6. Plot Devices and Other Needs |
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Scene Construction, Verisimilitude, POV, Masking, Foreshadow, Timesim, Exposition, Surprise, Minor Complication, Suspense Techniques, Character Arcs, and more. |
McInerney, O'Connor, Zola, Fitzgerald, Hemingway, Ibsen, O'Connor, R.P. Warren, West, Knowles, Nabokov |
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Exercise: diagram a prototype plot flow for novel. Study Guide readings and discussion. |
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7. Story Enhancement Techniques |
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Stages of Event, Narrative Energy, Seeding of Tension and Sub-events, Anecdotal Devices, Imagery, the Human Condition, and IMAGINATION. |
Robert Graves |
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Exercise: construct and write a pre-defined scene that highlights setting, conflict, and metaphor. Study guide readings and discussion. |
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8. Strong Narrative Through Synergy |
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Prose Enhancement Guides, Compare and Contrast of Narrative Styles, The Art of Fiction; Subject Matter vs. Prose. |
Chabon, Godwin, Neff, Kosinski, Kingsolver, Updike, Proulx, Marquez, Brontë |
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Exercise: construct and write a pre-defined scene that highlights dialogue, interior monologue, and suspense. |
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9. Dialogue: Never a Gratuitous Word |
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Screen and Stage Dialogue, Major Functions, Show Don't Tell, Need for Inclusion of Specific Elements, Types of Dialogue, Narrative Interjections, Character Roles in Scene. |
R. Price, Joyce, T. Williams, Hemingway |
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Exercise: given back story, students write one major scene with dialogue, noting pivotal points. |
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10. Prose Enhancement and Publication |
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Prose drills, prose narrative guides, structure reference guides, the perfect synopsis. Meetings with agent and editor to discuss student work and publication possibilities. |
Shakespeare, Roethke, Welty, M. Martone, Plath, Chabon, and many more. |
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Exercise: specific drills designed to hone competitive style. Students leave with a specific plan to realistically approach publication of their novel ms. |
The conference workshops will examine, discuss, and then work through specific craft and prose exercises derived from direct analysis of a select group of works, as well as craft articles that study or reference these same works and others (note: students are NOT expected to read all the books on the list below--please consult with workshop leader). Articles and novels as follows:
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 It started at Algonkian Park and evolved to "The Fiction Class" by Susan Breen. Going into 2017, Algonkian events have assisted and networked writers into dozens of agent and publishing contracts. More information can be found on our commentary page. 
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Algonkian Novel and Memoir Retreat -
- This event is an evolution of our Algonkian Park
Workshop, now enhanced with new pre-event studies as well as greatly
extended personal consult time with business professionals.
Professionals Caitlin Alexander, Michael Neff, and Robert Bausch consult
with writers one-on-one on matters of plot, narrative, market,
characters, memoir, and all else.
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Algonkian Writer Conferences
2020 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Suite 443
Washington, D.C. 20006
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