PROVIDENCE, RI -- Do you have a story or a novel chapter that needs polishing for publication? Need a group of dedicated readers to smooth the rough edges? Are you stuck in the middle, not sure where to take it? Providence Public Library (Central Library) will host an Advanced Writing Workshop run by Paul DiFilippo, a Providence writer, reviewer and critic of science fiction. The course will be held Mondays, 5:45 - 8:45 pm, January 4 to February 22, 2010 (no classes on January 18, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and February 15, Presidents Day).

Admission is contingent on submission of a 6-page writing sample, e-mailed or postmarked by December 23, 2009. Tuition is $250, payable no later than the first class. In the event of withdrawal, an 80 percent refund will be given until January 11, after which no refunds will be made. Interested writers should submit samples (including name, phone number and e-mail) to Paul DiFilippo (pgdf@cox.net ) by December 23.

Over a six-week period, the instructor and participants will take one short story manuscript from each writer and work to make it suitable for submission to a professional publication.

Written critiques from the instructor and fellow writers in the class will alternate with examination of professionally published stories for the lessons they can offer, a survey of markets with tips on submission, and an examination of the tricks and tools of fantastical and speculative writing. Participants will submit six pages of their writing to allow the instructor to gauge their abilities to benefit from the course. The sample may be from any project. The story to be polished during the session should ideally be a complete narrative arc when the course begins, but may be unfinished if the desired help lies in resolving the plot and ending of the piece. Class will meet in a room TBA at Providence Public Library (150 Empire Street, Providence).

The Instructor
Paul DiFilippo sold his first story in 1977, and since then has amassed over 200 publication credits, leading to the publication of some 25 books. He has been a judge for the Philip K. Dick Award, and this year became a judge for the John W. Campbell Award. In addition to his fiction writing, he has written numerous reviews for venues ranging from Asimovs SF Magazine to The Washington Post Book World. He currently has a column at The Barnes & Noble Review.

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