Most Emotional Shifts Have

• A before and after: But there’s no rule as to when the shift comes… sometimes it’s the second paragraph, and sometimes it’s the last line. Doesn’t always happen at the “climactic” moment.

• Stakes: The reader has to care about the shift, even (or especially!) if it's small. What’s at risk? What is gained or lost?

A Shift Usually Happens with a Reveal

You thought X, actually Y. When to deploy information is one of the most powerful tools the writer has. A reveal can be:

• To the character: New information is revealed to the characters (and therefore to the reader, too).

• To the reader: Nothing changes for characters, but the reader has a new understanding of the story

• To the character by themselves, usually through their own thoughtful reflection. Often tied to their desire or self concept, and therefore can coincide with the moment when a character gets what they want -- or doesn't get it.

Studio Time Prompt

Find the emotional shift in your piece. Ways you can start to do that:

• Is there a shift—or a desire for a shift—implied in your central question?

• What does your character want? Will they get it? How does your character change?

• Is there a disruption or intrusion in their world?

• Look at everything you’ve written so far. Is there anything that has surprised you, the writer?

Studio Soundtrack

Okonski, Entrance Music, 32 min [stream on bandcamp / spotify]

Homework

Next week, Angela Flournoy joins us! Read Angela’s short story “The Miss April Houses“ (which grew into her latest novel, The Wilderness.) And come with questions for her.

Odds and Ends

• The Tracking Tool is designed to give you space to reflect on each week’s progress and help you stay accountable. This is a reminder to keep it going!

• Join our Signal group! This is totally optional– think of it as chatting in the hallway after class.

• Schedule your Studio Time. If you want us to send you text or email reminders, you can tell us when you’re planning to work!

• Schedule your 1-on1. (Below.) If you haven’t yet, make sure you’re booked with either Ann or Jade. These private feedback sessions are 50 minutes each and will take place on zoom between March 21-April 3. Prior to your meeting, you’ll be able to submit your draft (up to 2,000 words) so we can discuss the specifics of your work.