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Home » How to Write in Scene–Free Online Writing Workshop

How to Write in Scene–Free Online Writing Workshop

In a couple of hours I’ll be online teaching a free online writing workshop on “How to Write in Scene.” It will last an hour. 

There was one particular moment in my writing life when I figured out what a scene is. That moment was a fulcrum in my writing. Before that, I’d been writing for myself, for my own clarity and growth. After that I was writing for others.

Even if you write for yourself, learning technique and craft is incredibly fulfilling. Like whittling. Anybody can pick up a pocketknife and chip away at a chunk of wood. But learning how to use a firmer gouge, for example, carries you to a new level—even if the carving is only for you, for your wellbeing, for your enjoyment.

Chekhov said this wonderful line of advice.

Don’t tell me the moon is shining. Show me the glint of light on broken glass.”

Anton Chekhov

That sentence indicates two kinds of prose, a kind that tells and a kind that shows. What I’ve learned is there are three basic elements of prose.

  1. Telling. This is reflection or abstraction, what you think about something.
  2. Showing. This is scenic, which is what I’m teaching today.
  3. Summarizing. This is time condensed, so that every moment is not in scene. Many people categorize this under “telling,” but I separate it.

Learn to distinguish the three elements of prose for yourself.

No matter where you are in your writing and journaling—and especially if you’re doing it for yourself—I invite you to join me this evening at 7 for a lively 1-hour free online writing workshop on how to write in scene. 

It’s all free.

You don’t have to turn on your video. So no worries about combing your hair or putting on a nice shirt. And if you can’t make it tonight, no worries. I’ll be offering this again. 

But please do bring journal and pencil because we’ll be doing a bit of writing. 

NOTE: This workshop has passed but sign up for my mailing list or Substack to be notified.

Study creative nonfiction with me

Written by:
Janisse Ray
Published on:
July 23, 2023
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Janisse Ray

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