WITD's last seasonal intensive of 2024, and it all happens right here on Substack: 6 Weeks, November 6-December 11, we dive deep into the art, craft & magic of scene writing. Come write with us!
I really believe this about scenes--that genuine fluency in writing them (and distinguishing a true scene from ... other things that are not scenes) is a super power. It will definitely shift your writing!
I took part in the Dirty, Messy, Alive Embodied Memoir Summit and loved your presentation! This comment resonated: “I love that these are advanced, complex techniques and ideas. I don't have an MFA, and won't ever have one, but I am passionate about improving my work. I want to apply the same focus to writing as I have in other fields of my life…” I do too!! And then I read this “Jeannine is a thoughtful and sensitive, deep thinker. She challenges gently. She is honest. She is a fierce encourager” and shouted, HELL YA!
I jotted down a few scene notes from your presentation (paraphrasing your words here) The protagonist wants something. How does the scene start out? How do we predict it will end? If that’s the way the reader would see it, predict it at the start, change something. You don’t want predictability; you want an inevitable surprise.
SO over the moon that the next intensive will focus on scene writing! The art of it, the craft of it, the magic of it!! Until I read this newsletter, I had no idea there were distinct types of scenes!!! Is it November 6th yet????
And your presentation was amazing— I wish I’d taken better notes, there was so much there. I am so happy it reached others who needed it, and your teaching!
I can’t wait for The Scene. I am listening to a craft talk with Kelly Link since I finished her book and didn’t want to stop hanging out with her brain, and the subject of paragraphs came up. She said she’d love to talk with a group of writers for a couple of years to figure out what makes a paragraph a paragraph because they give her vertigo when she tries to pin it down. Scenes feel that way to me. I can’t wait to dive into them with you as a guide and this group as fellow divers. You make me want to sky dive!
Thanks so much, friend--Janelle did a great job enriching that conversation. I was grateful for where she took it. And yes to the diving! Even though I actually do not know how to dive.
Excellent. This is also what I’m teaching right now for my advanced fiction class at Moose Lake Prison, so I’m swimming in it and it’s so exciting, empowering, and fun!
I CANNOT WAIT for this class! I’m working on a difficult (aren’t they all) essay that started with explicating a concept and dynamic, then realized I needed scenes - of course - and added a string of them that need honing and power. Yes to this intensive! I know it will get this essay to the next level. Thank you, Jeannine!
And here, in the feedback from grateful students/listeners is again the word "fierce". You live what you teach as well as love what you teach and that's beautiful and needful. Thankyou
I sat out the Letters intensive due to overwhelm of all the wonderful writing flurry induced by Strange Containers, hoping I’d get more clarity & energy around my newsletter’s core intention & direction …well, I didn’t, but I am hoping to at least make the time to be part of this new intensive - I missed you all!!! 🥰✨📚✍️
Jeannine, I am pretty sure I left a comment like what you posted here from the Dirty, Messy, Alive talk. Feeling enthused about starting this, as I am not strong in skill when it comes to setting the scene. I am fantastic at interiority, but I could use a boost with exteriority!
Thank you Jeannine, this is brilliant and so timely as I write first draft scenes. They could improve so much enriched with WITD content, exercises and of course the amazing comments posted.
Looking forward to this! I need a shift in my writing. I'm sure this will achieve it.
I really believe this about scenes--that genuine fluency in writing them (and distinguishing a true scene from ... other things that are not scenes) is a super power. It will definitely shift your writing!
I took part in the Dirty, Messy, Alive Embodied Memoir Summit and loved your presentation! This comment resonated: “I love that these are advanced, complex techniques and ideas. I don't have an MFA, and won't ever have one, but I am passionate about improving my work. I want to apply the same focus to writing as I have in other fields of my life…” I do too!! And then I read this “Jeannine is a thoughtful and sensitive, deep thinker. She challenges gently. She is honest. She is a fierce encourager” and shouted, HELL YA!
I jotted down a few scene notes from your presentation (paraphrasing your words here) The protagonist wants something. How does the scene start out? How do we predict it will end? If that’s the way the reader would see it, predict it at the start, change something. You don’t want predictability; you want an inevitable surprise.
SO over the moon that the next intensive will focus on scene writing! The art of it, the craft of it, the magic of it!! Until I read this newsletter, I had no idea there were distinct types of scenes!!! Is it November 6th yet????
I love this so much, Lisa ❤️❤️❤️
And your presentation was amazing— I wish I’d taken better notes, there was so much there. I am so happy it reached others who needed it, and your teaching!
I can’t wait for The Scene. I am listening to a craft talk with Kelly Link since I finished her book and didn’t want to stop hanging out with her brain, and the subject of paragraphs came up. She said she’d love to talk with a group of writers for a couple of years to figure out what makes a paragraph a paragraph because they give her vertigo when she tries to pin it down. Scenes feel that way to me. I can’t wait to dive into them with you as a guide and this group as fellow divers. You make me want to sky dive!
Thanks so much, friend--Janelle did a great job enriching that conversation. I was grateful for where she took it. And yes to the diving! Even though I actually do not know how to dive.
We’ll dive together. 💜
Can't wait! This is exactly what I need right now.
Excellent. This is also what I’m teaching right now for my advanced fiction class at Moose Lake Prison, so I’m swimming in it and it’s so exciting, empowering, and fun!
I need to pick up the rest of the scene intensive, but I’m having a little problem getting there. I am a paid subscriber. Can you help thank you?
You can always find the posts on the home page under art of the scene:
https://writinginthedark.substack.com/t/the-art-of-the-scene
and this post helps you understand how to navigate WITD:
https://writinginthedark.substack.com/p/how-to-actually-write-in-the-dark?utm_source=publication-search
Thank you I found it and I am working my way through. I really enjoying it. Thank you again.
I CANNOT WAIT for this class! I’m working on a difficult (aren’t they all) essay that started with explicating a concept and dynamic, then realized I needed scenes - of course - and added a string of them that need honing and power. Yes to this intensive! I know it will get this essay to the next level. Thank you, Jeannine!
Excellent, very glad to hear this!
And here, in the feedback from grateful students/listeners is again the word "fierce". You live what you teach as well as love what you teach and that's beautiful and needful. Thankyou
Thank you so much for seeing that. I saw it too ... xo
Oooh… looking forward to this one. A feast of riches! So grateful! 🩷
I’m so glad to hear it, Barbara!
Can’t wait!! I’m looking forward to the example readings and close readings we will explore 😃 I always learn something new with these rich examples.
Yay. I love writing with you so much, Lindsey.
I love writing here and being here! Thank you for these generous offerings!
Can’t wait!!
Yay! I am excited, too!
How to sign up for the intensive on scenes? Thanks!
If you are a paid subscriber, all you need to do is start, and you can always find the posts on the home page under art of the scene:
https://writinginthedark.substack.com/t/the-art-of-the-scene
and this post helps you understand how to navigate WITD:
https://writinginthedark.substack.com/p/how-to-actually-write-in-the-dark?utm_source=publication-search
I sat out the Letters intensive due to overwhelm of all the wonderful writing flurry induced by Strange Containers, hoping I’d get more clarity & energy around my newsletter’s core intention & direction …well, I didn’t, but I am hoping to at least make the time to be part of this new intensive - I missed you all!!! 🥰✨📚✍️
Jeannine, I am pretty sure I left a comment like what you posted here from the Dirty, Messy, Alive talk. Feeling enthused about starting this, as I am not strong in skill when it comes to setting the scene. I am fantastic at interiority, but I could use a boost with exteriority!
I never stop learning here... :)
Thank you Jeannine, this is brilliant and so timely as I write first draft scenes. They could improve so much enriched with WITD content, exercises and of course the amazing comments posted.
Hi Jeannine, is this for paid subscribers? Do I need to register for this?