Dzanc’s Creative Writing Sessions + A Giveaway

I had been hearing things about Dzanc Books Creative Writing Sessions. I was intrigued. Last week, I submitted a short story I’ve been working on, and chose Matt Bell as my mentor because I enjoy his writing. The process was painless. I e-mailed Dan Wickett my file, and he forwarded it to Matt, then Matt sent Dan his edits and comments, and Dan sent them back to me. It took less than a week. The go between part I found a bit strange BUT I understand privacy concerns. I also know writers, and I’m quite certain there are people out there that would send their mentors no fewer than 1,741 follow up e-mails. That just wouldn’t be good.

In the critique, there was a lengthy note discussing the larger editorial perspective, as well as line edits.

The critique I received was so thorough and thoughtful that I don’t even know how to talk about it without sounding like a blabbering idiot. There was no pandering or pretension. The critiques served the better interests of the story. Editorial suggestions included reorganizing the structure of the piece, getting rid of   subtitles throughout the piece, omitting two sections of the original, a question about the title and so on. Matt also asked some really pointed questions about whether or not certain elements were appropriate, really forcing me to think about what the story needed versus what I needed. He really addressed some of the weaker writerly things I tend to do like overexplaining things and writing self indulgent nonsense. And he did all of this firmly but kindly. There were also some very generous compliments. That’s always nice.   He also suggested some markets that would be good for the story

My two favorite lines from the critique:

Sorry, I can’t let you use the “if my life was a movie” line—You never, ever need it, and it’s in way too many stories already. You get the exact same effect without saying it.

This is the end of the story. If you disagree, I’m willing to fight you for it.

Awesome, right? Literary Death Match is on.

I have no doubt that all of the mentors involved with this program are equally insightful and generous.

I enjoyed the experience so much that I think others should benefit from this program as well.

The first two people who leave a comment here will get two hours each with the mentor of their choice.   Ready, Steady, GO!
ETA: The sessions have been given away. The lucky winners are Molly Gaudry, Lauren Becker, and Shome Dasgupta.