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Writing Sex Scenes You'll Respect in the Morning

A Fiction Workshop

Level: All Levels

Erotic encounters, whether they’re good, bad, or ugly, can be pivotal moments for characters in all genres. But how can we write about these intimate moments without veering into elaborate purple prose, sounding like a medical textbook, or just plain embarrassing ourselves? In this session, we will explore what makes an effective sex scene, looking at the writings of DH Lawrence, and discuss when and how to include erotic elements in your writing, and how to craft a sensual rendezvous that will leave both your characters and your readers breathless.

Attendees will complete in-class exercises to identify their genre and their audience, as well as revising or beginning to craft a book description. In-class feedback will be offered from the class and the instructor. This workshop is open to participants at all stages of their writing career.

 + PLEASE NOTE This workshop will occur online via Zoom. Students do not need to create an account to participate, but should test out Zoom before their class if they are first-time users. On Thursday, April 28th, from 5:30pm to 6:00pm, MWPA staff will offer a tech help session on Zoom. Students are encouraged to attend the tech help session, which usually takes only 5-10 minutes, if they have any tech concerns, use Zoom infrequently, or simply would like to test their connection, and those who do not are responsible for ensuring that they are able to use Zoom on their own. The week of the workshop, students will be emailed a link that they may click to enter the test session and the class.

+ REQUIRED EQUIPMENT A reliable, fast internet connection (broadband wired or wireless (3G or 4G/LTE), speakers & a microphone (built-in or USB plug-in), and a webcam (built-in or USB plug-in).

If you would like to quickly and easily test your internet connection and your computer’s compatibility with Zoom, click HERE. Full details on supported Operating Systems, internet browsers, and more can be found HERE. To download and familiarize yourself with Zoom, click HERE.


Samantha Macleod is the self-published author of four novels, a short story collection, and multiple novellas under the pen names Samantha MacLeod and Meredith Hart. Readers have downloaded over 40,000 copies of her titles. She has over a decade of teaching experience at institutions including Daemen College and Kennebec Valley Community College. Her novella The Night Watch was published by Less Than Three Press, and her short stories have appeared in literary magazines such as Typehouse and The Bookends Review Best of 2016 Anthology. Macleod holds a bachelor’s degree from Colby College and an M.A. from the University of Chicago; yes, the U. of C. really is where fun comes to die. She lives in Raymond, Maine with her husband, two children, and assorted cats and dogs.


ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED
All MWPA workshops require advanced registration. We accept registration by phone, mail, and online via our website. We cannot guarantee registration in the final 24-hours before a workshop, and can rarely accommodate day-of registration.

PAYMENT & CANCELLATION POLICIES
If you need to withdraw from a class after registering for any reason, please email or call the MWPA immediately. You may be eligible for a partial refund or credit, depending on how far in advance you cancel. → MORE INFORMATION

QUESTIONS
For any questions regarding this workshop, please contact Meghan Sterling at programs@mainewriters.org.

REGISTER BY PHONE
Call 207-228-8263 and register with your VISA or MasterCard.

REGISTER BY MAIL
If you prefer to pay by mail, please print this registration form (downloadable PDF) and mail it to the MWPA with a check or credit card information.



SCHOLARSHIP
The MWPA is proud to offer one full scholarship to this workshop for members-only. Scholarships are awarded on a combination of need and merit. Email Meghan at programs@mainewriters.org to see if the scholarship is still available. Application Due on April 22nd at 9:00 a.m.
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MWPA WORKSHOP POLICIES
Registration in any MWPA workshop, program, or event constitutes your agreement to our terms and conditions. → MORE INFORMATION