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Meet THe Team
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Character, dialogue, plot — every writer knows these elements are important in storytelling. But what about place?
In this two-hour class, we’ll examine how place underscores a story’s themes, shapes its plot, and sets the terms of what is possible for its characters. In some stories, it’s safe to say, place *is* the story.Together, we’ll pull lessons from two very different short stories: a semi-autobiographical story by Stephanie Vaughn and a high-concept work of science fiction by Ursula K. LeGuin. Additionally, we’ll undertake a generative exercise that will help you use place as a starting point in your own writing.
• In-Class Writing Lift: Medium
• Homework: None
• Workshopping Drafts: None
Andrew Steiner was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In 2022 he received an MFA from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop. In his mid-20s he left a career in nonprofit development to work on a small vegetable farm, providing the setting for his first novel, Let This Remain, represented by The Wylie Agency. His short fiction has been published in Narrative, Epoch, Grain, and other outlets. He currently teaches creative writing and rhetoric at Grand Valley State University and Calvin University.
"Andrew was incredible! I learned a ton and I am very motivated to start my novel! He is clear and knowledgeable and such a great teacher. He takes enough time for explanation on a point but asks our feedback and really listens. We learned a lot. Thank you for a perfect first class!"
"Andrew's class was inspiring and informative. When I left, I felt like writing!"
"Andrew was great! Personable and engaging, he kept a solid tempo for the time we had and allowed for a lot of captivating discussion."
