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Writing Workshops

Writing the Novel-in-Verse with Melissa Lozada-Oliva (in-person)

$345

4 Sessions

Out of stock

Once a week Wednesdays, 6:00 pm EDT - 8:00 pm EDT January 31 to February 21, 2024

The Center for Fiction

What is a novel-in-verse? When do poems start telling stories? How much pressure can we put on a poem? Is a novel-in-verse just a musical? In this course, we will explore the craft of writing the novel-in-verse and telling a story non-linearly. We will perfect having a poem be able to stand on its own while also moving the plot forward. We will discuss Greek choruses, the contrapuntal, and the differing plot forms. We will be reading novels-in-verse, poetry collections, and excerpts from novels, including Biography of Red, Olio, Oedipus Rex, A Long Way Down, Disappearing Act, The Perfect Nine, I Think I’m Ready To See Frank Ocean and Northwood. This is a good class for poets interested in fiction and fiction writers wanting to try out a new form. Students will discuss various forms and techniques to make their own novels-in-verses, be given writing prompts and the opportunity to workshop poems weekly.

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  • 228058AF5-DBB9-46B2-B346-D3795AC8058E - Melissa Lozada-Oliva

    Melissa Lozada-Oliva

    Melissa Lozada-Oliva

    Melissa Lozada-Oliva is the author of peluda, Dreaming of You and Candelaria. Her work has been featured in the Poetry Project, Harper’s Bazaar, NPR, Vogue, Vulture, and BBC Mundo. She received her MFA from New York University in 2020.