1 session, Saturday February 21st, 12:00-2:30pm EST
online, 15 students max
$75
Enrollment Opens Jan 1, 2026
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Dialogue is a key element of compelling narrative in both fiction and non-fiction, energizing scenes, propelling conflict, and revealing character dynamics. Some writers have a natural facility for dialogue while others struggle to hear and articulate their characters’ voices on the page. Regardless of where you fall in that spectrum, the ability to grasp and express the nuances of dialogue is a powerful advantage for any writer.
In this one-session generative workshop, we’ll begin with a craft discussion citing examples from contemporary works that address these topics: dialogue vs. exposition; deciding who gets to speak; dialogue that feels truthful to your characters; naturalistic dialogue; internal dialogue; dialogue as indicator of mood; dialogue tags and formatting; and finally, when and how to break the rules.
We’ll spend the remainder of the workshop on a prompt-based writing session followed by sharing (optional) and feedback.
For writers at all levels working on dialogue-centered projects.
Enrollment opens Jan 1, 2026
About the Instructor
Chin-Sun Lee is the author of the debut novel Upcountry (Unnamed Press 2023), listed in Publishers Weekly’s Big Indie Books of Fall 2023. She’s also a contributor to the New York Times bestselling anthology Women in Clothes (Blue Rider Press/Penguin 2014). Her work has appeared in Electric Literature, The Georgia Review, The Brooklyn Rail, Joyland, and The Believer Logger, among other publications. She has worked as an educator for Writers.com, as a moderator for Academic Coaching & Writing, and as a developmental editor for The Reading List Editorial. Learn more about her at www.chinsunlee.com.
Student Testimonials from Chin-Sun’s Other Co-Lab Classes
“Interesting course topic and excellent instruction! Chin-Sun Lee made the most of every minute of class and the discussions and exercises were very enlightening.” — former Prose from Imagery student
“Fantastic 2-hour seminar! Chin-Sun’s pacing, presence, great examples, and potent exercise all worked together synergistically and effectively. Wow! Thank you, Chin-Sun!” — former Prose from Imagery student
“One of the best writing classes I’ve ever taken! Chin-Sun provided constructive, helpful feedback while also being very encouraging.” — former Co-Lab student
“Chin-Sun was so enthusiastic and so knowledgable, a great teacher for a fascinating topic. She assigned really good readings and homework writing prompts as well, that were helpful whether generating new writing or extending longer projects we were already working on. She spent a lot of time reading our work and giving detailed, encouraging feedback, which a lot of teachers do not do!” — former Co-Lab student
“Chin-Sun created a safe space for all class participants, helping to strip away insecurities so writing can flourish. Her assignments were always well thought-out and inspirational. The most powerful aspect of the class was Chin-Sun’s in-depth attention to each participant’s work. Her generosity and approachability exceeded anything I imagined. If you’re looking for a writing instructor who gives their all, Chin-Sun is the one!” –Lisa Sheldon
"Chin-Sun Lee is an incredibly encouraging and thorough instructor. Not only did she help me gain confidence in sharing my writing, her editing improved my conceptual and concrete writing skills. I would highly recommend her classes to anyone!” –Paula Ibieta, Contributing Writer @ Antigravity Magazine