Set your fiction on fire with Kim Heacox

Working on a novel? Thinking about it? Looking for inspiration? A few ideas? Join Gustavus novelist Kim Heacox for a 3-hour-long workshop on how to improve your fiction. He is the author of “Jimmy Bluefeather,” winner of the 2015 National Outdoor Book Award for creative fiction.

He will discuss: character development – how to make one or more compelling character(s) that the readers care deeply for; using strong points-of-view (and shifting points-of-view) to further develop characters and the story; creating a plot that’s compelling, not corny; scene setting that adds tension by entering late and leaving early; and compelling dialogue that employs intelligence, color, morality, humor and wit.

Each subject will cover about 30 minutes and involve short writing exercises and time for sharing. There will be an opening, a closing and a 15-minute break in the middle. Kim will offer handouts and employ writing samples from Alaskan and non-Alaskan novelists, including Anthony Doerr, Charles Frazier, Chad Harbach, Seth Kantner, Eowyn Ivey and his own work, among others.

Fee: $45 for members of 49 Writers, and $55 for non-members. This workshop will take place on April 18 from 6-9 p.m. Register at 49writingcenter.org.

More in Neighbors

Pumpkin cheesecake with a pecan crust being served. (Photo by Patty Schied)
Cooking For Pleasure: Pumpkin cheesecake with a pecan crust

For those of you who struggle with trying to figure out how… Continue reading

Page Bridges of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Juneau. (Photo courtesy of Page Bridges)
Living and Growing: The healing power of art

I found this awesome quote about art from Googling: “Art has the… Continue reading

(Juneau Empire file photo)
Living and Growing: A list of do’s to reclaim Shabbat

To be silent the whole day, see no newspaper, hear no radio,… Continue reading

“Princess Sophia” stranded on Vanderbilt Reef, Oct. 24, 1918. (Alaska State Library Historical Collection, ASL-P87-1700)
Living and Growing: The storms of the Fall

Psalm 19 1 The heavens declare the glory of God, and the… Continue reading

(Image by the New Jersey Division of Elections)
Gimme A Smile: Halloween/Election Day merger

We’ve got a couple of important holidays coming up: Halloween and Election… Continue reading

Sheet pan tomato soup garnished and served. (Photo by Patty Schied)
Cooking For Pleasure: Sheet pan tomato soup

Whenever I get my hair done at Salon Cedar, owner Brendan Sullivan… Continue reading

Brent Merten is the pastor of Christ Lutheran Church in Juneau. (Courtesy photo)
Living and Growing: The eye of the needle

One day, a rich young man approached Jesus, asking him what he… Continue reading

Jennifer Moses is a student rabbi at Congregation Sukkat Shalom. (Photo provided by Jennifer Moses)
Living and Growing: Joy after sorrow during celebration of Sukkot

As you read this column Jews around the world are preparing to… Continue reading

Cookie jars in the shape of a house and a mouse are among the more than 100 vintage jars being being sold as a benefit on Saturday, Oct. 26, at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. (Photos by Bill Andrews)
Neighbors events, announcements and awards for the week of Oct. 20

More than 100 vintage cookie jars on sale during Oct. 26 benefit… Continue reading

Nine-hour pork roast ready for serving. (Photo by Patty Schied)
Cooking for Pleasure: Nine-hour pork roast with crackling

For a few months now I have been craving an old-fashioned pork… Continue reading