Scene Writing Intensive
$375
Being “in scene” is where storytelling comes alive on the page. It’s where readers feel, understand, and enter a story’s world—where we experience deeper emotional truths that keep us turning pages. Scene is the foundation of memorable storytelling, and it is a craft that crosses every genre.
This five-day intensive teaches writers the essential elements of compelling scene construction. Over five class meetings, students will learn to create authentic characters, ground readers in vivid and purposeful setting, weave exposition seamlessly into narrative, and build scenes that draw readers in and hold them page after page. In each session we move from craft principle to practice and feedback, so that each writer leaves understanding how scene works and having practiced, too.
What Writers Will Learn
Character & Setting Craft:
• Ground story in vivid, purposeful locations
• Create characters with clear motivation and authentic behavior
• Develop compelling dialogue that reveals character
Pacing & Structure:
• Build tension through countervailing forces
• Drive momentum with action and conflict
• Practice page-turning pacing techniques
Voice & Subtext:
• Weave in distinctive narrative voice
• Add depth through subtext and implication
• Balance showing and telling for maximum impact
Daily Structure
Each session will include:
• Study of effective published scenes across genres
• Analysis exercises mapping scene and expository techniques
• Supportive read-alouds of new work
• Collaborative workshopping of three participants’ pieces
• Q&A on scene craft and technique
Access Program
We want our writing classes and seminars to be accessible to everyone, regardless of income and background. We understand that our tuition structure can present obstacles for some people. Our Access Program offers writing class and seminar tuitions at a reduced rate. Most writing classes have at least one access spot available.
Please apply here for access rate tuition. Contact Susan Moore at susan@literary-arts.org if you have questions.
Liaison position
Every in-person class and seminar at Literary Arts has one liaison position. Liaisons perform specific duties for each class meeting. If you are a liaison for a class or seminar, the full amount of your tuition is covered by Literary Arts.
Apply here for the liaison position.
Becky Ellis
Becky Ellis, daughter of a World War II combat sergeant and veteran of a war fought at home, is the author of Little Avalanches. She believes in the transformational power of storytelling and facilitates writing workshops in underheard communities with Write Around Portland. A longtime Oregonian, she has raised three daughters in Portland.
