Walter Mosley, bestselling author and recipient of the National Book Award’s Lifetime Achievement Medal, has written more than 60 books over his 30-year career and is celebrated for fiction that addresses our culture’s racial divides. Now he’s sharing the elements of storytelling that have helped him along the way. Learn how to choose the right words, structure, genre, and characters to create the novel that’s in you.
Overview
Syllabus
- Meet Your Instructor
- Get to know critically acclaimed author Walter Mosley as he teaches you how to rethink genres, push boundaries in fiction, and get to work on your novel.
- Walter’s Process: Writing Every Day
- Rule number one: Write every day. Walter explains why this rule is nonnegotiable.
- Developing Fictional Characters
- Easy Rawlins is a legend. Learn what it takes to create a strong character using Walter’s most famous protagonist.
- Story vs. Plot
- Learn the key differences between story and plot and how to create a compelling plot to drive the reader forward.
- Narrative Voice, Point of View, and Dialogue
- Every story has multiple sides. Learn the various narrative voices, what is best for your story, and the importance of dialogue.
- Descriptive and Vivid Language
- Good writing comes alive in the reader’s mind. Walter teaches you how to use imagery, metaphors, similes, and more to create a vivid world.
- Using Poetry to Understand Language
- Explore how poetry can aid in understanding language through three poems Walter has chosen.
- Fiction, Race, and Representation
- Representation in fiction is a reflection of our culture. Walter explains the importance of existing in literature and what inspired him to create his most famous protagonist: Easy Rawlins.
- Genre and “Rules” of Fiction
- Rethink genres and their limitations with Walter as he discusses the possibilities of pushing the boundaries.
- Surviving the Publishing Industry
- The publishing industry can be daunting. Walter provides tips on how to get the most out of your connections, face the prejudices, and come out on top.
- Discovering Yourself Through Writing
- Fiction can be a means for self-discovery. Walter teaches you how to write from your heart.
- Living a Creative Life
- Making a deep commitment to the creative life doesn’t have to serve others. Walter explains why it’s important to create for yourself.
- Walter’s Most Important Thing
- Walter shares his most important takeaway.
Taught by
Walter Mosley
