If you've spent any time in used bookstores over the years, you've almost certainly seen their delightfully insane book covers, like a 1980s fever dream––flying cars? neon flamingos? a saxophone fighter jet?
 
And yet underneath the kitschy covers, the Vintage Contemporaries series, launched by editor Gary Fisketjon in 1984, were a serious literary event, helping make stars out of an entire generation of writers––Raymond Carver, Joy Williams, Thomas McGuane, Barry Hannah, Ann Beattie, and many more.
 
In this 5-week course, we will look at stories and novel excerpts from classic Vintage Contemporaries books, while also workshopping two of your own stories, each with written feedback and an in-depth discussion from the class. 
 
At the end of each piece you workshop, there will be a reveal of a custom Vintage Contemporaries inspired cover for your story, essay (or novel excerpt) designed by your instructor David Byron Queen.
 
Open to any kind of writer (fiction, poetry, non-fiction, etc.) at any skill level.
You will leave with at least 2 fully workshopped pieces and written feedback from your instructor and classmates.
 
Cost: $350 ($300 until 12/9)
Dates: February 13 – March
Format: Online (Zoom)
Instructor: David Byron Queen
 
You will receive a confirmation email upon completing check out, which confirms your spot in class. And keep an eye out for a welcome email from your instructor a few weeks before the start date. 
 
In the meantime, please email 'hello@wordwest.co' if you have any further questions, or concerns.
 
This class is expected to fill up quickly, so don't wait too long.
 
We hope you can join us!
 
–– David Byron Queen, instructor