This class examines character development, internal and external conflict, and the benefits of considering how these craft elements come into play in triangular relationships. Authors offered up for discussion (some in depth, others in passing) will include Mavis Gallant, Anne Carson, Peter Mountford, Jamel Brinkley, Günter Grass, William Shakespeare, and medieval morality plays.

The format of the class will include a mix of mini-lecture, discussion, writing exercises, and optional student sharing. There will be some time for private reflection on examples of triangular relationships in real life with the opportunity to discuss (or not!) plus a discussion of how one might translate the emotional experience of that reflection to fiction. We’ll also consider works-in-progress that might contain triangles to be sharpened and whether cutting or combining characters would help that sharpening.

About the Instructor

Anca L. Szilágyi is the author of Daughters of the Air, which Shelf Awareness called “a striking debut” and Dreams Under Glass, which Buzzfeed Books called “a novel for our modern times.” Her writing appears in Orion Magazine, Lilith Magazine, and Newsweek, among others, and has been listed as notable in Best American Essays. She has taught creative writing since 2010.

Student Testimonials

“I am so grateful for what was the best online writing class I have ever taken, both in format and substance....You run a great classroom, and I got so much out of all your materials. I will definitely be recommending your class." — Jennifer Carr, Once Upon a Time: Fairy Tale Writing student

“This was an outstanding course -- so well organized and engaging (not easy online!). I appreciated your suggested readings and thoughtful comments. Thank you for sharing your expertise." — Scott Cummins, Architectural Stories student

“I would take this class again in a heart beat.” — Fiction workshop participant, Social Media

Triangular Relationships as Engines for Tension and Conflict, 1 session with Anca L. Szilágyi