When shaping an effective plot is their objective, fiction writers in all genres for readers of all ages share an understanding that it must build by stages to a strong climax. But what are the issues that the climax needs to address and how can writers tell if the climax they’ve chosen is right for the plot and has carried it far enough? On September 3, 10, and 17, Fred Shafer will discuss the decisions that can go into finding a relevant and convincing climax, as well as the mistakes that will keep a plot from reaching its potential.
Fred will review manuscripts of up to 5 pages after the series concludes. Deadline to submit: Monday , September 14. Submissions are limited to one per person. When submitting part of a longer work, you can include two to three sentences describing the context.
Click Manuscripts for payment instructions and additional information about manuscript submissions.
FRED SHAFER is a literary editor and teacher of writing. He was an editor with TriQuarterly, the international literary journal published by Northwestern University, where he taught fiction writing in the School of Professional Studies for many years. He leads private workshops in short story and novel writing.
