Adult Fiction and Nonfiction with James Mustelier

October 15th, 2025 - November 18th, 2025

with James Mustelier

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Member registration opens June 9th at 10:00 (EDT).
Non-member registration opens September 15th at 10:00 (EDT).

You'll submit your pages at the group start, then spend the next weeks critiquing peer stories. James will submit her notes near the critique deadline. After critiques are complete, we host a 2-hour group debrief, in which each writer gets 15 minutes of individual time with James to dig into feedback, brainstorm next steps, and discuss any writing questions. 

Our goal with these events is to help writers become stronger storytellers. That said, each opening pages event we offer also comes with a submission opportunity.

Notes

Who this workshop is for: <p>This workshop is a high-level educational event, best suited to agented writers and advanced writers who are querying or preparing to do so.<br></p>

Focus: Adult - Novels - Literary - Adult - Novels - Upmarket - Adult - Novel…

Group size: 7 writers

Submissions: <p>There will be one submission of up to 3750 words at the workshop start.&nbsp; Participants should also plan to share their pitch/short summary with their pages. Your pitch is not included in the word count and will not be critiqued.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 15px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-weight: 700;">Changes and Withdrawals Policy:&nbsp;</span></p><ul style="padding-left: 26px; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-left: 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><li style="margin: 0px; line-height: 20px;">2 months or more ahead of a workshop start: you will be credited the full amount of the workshop, less a $20 change fee.</li><li style="margin: 0px; line-height: 20px;">Under 2 months to 14 days ahead of a workshop start: If we are able to replace you, you will be credited for the full workshop price less a $20 change fee. If we can't replace you, you will receive a credit for 50% of the workshop cost.&nbsp;</li><li style="margin: 0px; line-height: 20px;">Withdrawals within 14 days of a workshop start: If we can replace you, you will receive a credit for 50% of the workshop price. If we cannot replace you, you will not receive a credit. Your fee will go towards our workshops and scholarships.&nbsp;</li></ul>

Fee

Members: $135; Non-members: $160

About James Mustelier

I’m looking for a range of commercial and literary fiction and non-fiction. Across genres I prize economical prose, complex characters, steadily building tension, narrative gravity, and the momentary relief of dark humor, even amid dire circumstances.


In commercial fiction I’m looking for compact horror and mysteries with unique hooks and intricate plotting. In sci-fi and fantasy I’m drawn to stories that are grounded in reality and have high stakes that touch on contemporary issues — much more speculative fiction and alternate histories than space opera or high fantasy.  


In nonfiction I’m looking for books that give me a vivid look into subcultures and events I might not otherwise have had the chance to explore. Much of my favorite nonfiction melds a distinct narrative voice with rigorous research.


Schedule:

  • Wed, Oct. 15 - Writers submit
  • Wed, Nov 5th - Critiques due
  • Wed, Nov 12th - 7-9pm ET Zoom debrief
  • Mon, Nov 17th- Group closes