Revision can feel like the hardest part of writing: the heady rush of a first draft gives way to the question of what, actually, to do next. This hands-on half-day workshop is a chance to work through that question in good and encouraging company: to look at our works-in-progress with fresh eyes, find what really matters, cut what doesn't, and shape each piece into its best self. Whether you're getting a pile of early notes into shape, working through a messy middle, or polishing an almost-final draft, we'll revise at every scale. We’ll discuss refining at the level of the sentence, as well as restructuring on a large scale, to rethink the way a whole piece fits together. We'll spend the afternoon talking through each writer's project in an informal, low-pressure way, then dig into the real questions together: What is the beating heart of this piece? Where does it most want to begin? How can we work toward its most satisfying or transcending ending? What can be cut and what’s still missing? Students will have time to write and try things out right there in the room, while I meet with you separately, for brief one-on-one discussions, to talk through where your work might want to go next.
This workshop will be held in-person and online.
Saturday, January 16, 2026; 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. EST
Revision can feel like the hardest part of writing: the heady rush of a first draft gives way to the question of what, actually, to do next. This hands-on half-day workshop is a chance to work through that question in good and encouraging company: to look at our works-in-progress with fresh eyes, find what really matters, cut what doesn't, and shape each piece into its best self. Whether you're getting a pile of early notes into shape, working through a messy middle, or polishing an almost-final draft, we'll revise at every scale. We’ll discuss refining at the level of the sentence, as well as restructuring on a large scale, to rethink the way a whole piece fits together. We'll spend the afternoon talking through each writer's project in an informal, low-pressure way, then dig into the real questions together: What is the beating heart of this piece? Where does it most want to begin? How can we work toward its most satisfying or transcending ending? What can be cut and what’s still missing? Students will have time to write and try things out right there in the room, while I meet with you separately, for brief one-on-one discussions, to talk through where your work might want to go next.
This workshop will be held in-person and online.
Saturday, January 16, 2026; 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. EST