ENROLL IN THE INLET NOVEL SALON TO SUPPORT YOUR NOVEL’S DEVELOPMENT–AND YOUR DEVELOPMENT AS A NOVELIST.
Find your novel’s true north.
Grow your confidence as your muse befriends your inner critic.
All writers want to know where their story is going, and how to get there.
But they need more than just a map.
Signing up for the Inlet Novel Salon is like enrolling in an orienteering course for novelists.
It gives you a map and compass, teaches you how to use them–even set them aside when you need a break to go “off trail.”
By combining known maps and the thrill of discovery, you’re better able to find your plot, your characters’ true natures, and your novel’s deepest themes.
What if you stopped telling yourself you need to know everything.
The structure you started with may stop making sense–but you CAN rework it. Your dialogue may seem static–but you CAN make it more dynamic. Characters who read as flat CAN become dimensional.
Getting your bearings while drafting and revising isn’t a one time thing. It’s a continual process.
Once you know that, you can relax. You’ll soon hone your sense of direction, and trust that with every turn, even if you feel like you’re going backwards, there’s always a way to orient again.
Center yourself in the feeling you get when you trust your own choices, even let the choices of your own characters and the momentum of your plot guide you in the right direction. And when it’s not quite feeling right, learn ways to gain momentum in a new direction–even discover new territory.
Contact Angela for details at angelarydell@gmail.com.
If you are looking for a supportive, compassionate mentor to help you unleash your creative potential, I highly recommend working with Angela Rydell. I’ve had the pleasure of participating in Angela’s Flash Fiction Salon not just once, but twice. The generous, insightful feedback I received from both Angela and the other Salon participants provided me with imaginative solutions as to how to improve and push the boundaries of my work. Several of the pieces I’ve gone on to publish found their genesis in this wonderful workshop. Angela’s continual friendship and support has been a true gift. ~Kristin Tenor, former CRAFT editor-in-chief/flash fiction section editor
INTRODUCING THE FALL-TO-SPRING 2024-25 SALON THEME
METAPHOR IN THE MAKING
I’ve worked with over 1,000 writers, taught creative writing for twenty years, and though I often get questions like “How do I plot” and “How do I create a character readers care about?” the most important question novelists need to ask is this:
“What is my story REALLY about?”
We want to work out structure. Figure out the propulsion and systems of plot. Make characters pop on the page. But even more than that, we want our novels to MATTER.
Mastering plot, structure, character development, or setting alone can’t make your story matter. They’re important! But not enough.
Yet many writers fixate on polishing dialogue or describing traits, hitting plot points or detailing setting—and miss what’s underneath all those surface details or action sequences. We can get so caught up in perfecting the motions characters go through we forget WHY the characters are doing what they’re doing in the first place.
The most successful writers know to look inside the story for answers—and inside the characters within it, to identify and develop the internal arc of their novels and map it to their novel’s themes.
But often our vision gets blurred, our ideas scatter, and we struggle to figure out what we want to say. Ironically, our best ideas frequently come into focus amidst this disarray—when we bring together disparate thoughts or images.
In this state, we question. We test. We ponder: “On the one hand…on the other…” “As___ is to___, so to…” It’s like this. It reminds me of.
Metaphor is one of the most natural ways to integrate and make connections—seeing one thing in terms of another, even (often especially!) things seemingly disconnected. That’s where the sweet spot of originality lies.
Discover how to make your writing clearer and more imaginative simultaneously.
Turn surprise into the norm—so sense of the unexpected keeps growing.
Use metaphor to strengthen character motivation, make description do double duty, and theme come through via setting, dialogue–even action.
When we happen upon the perfect metaphor for our ideas, it’s not uncommon to burst out cheering—but the quest to get there can cause headaches. How and when do metaphors clarify, expand, or just mystify? Together we’ll work to find the balance.
Dig deep into underlying meanings that speak to what matters most to you.
Build transformative character arcs that show measurable change on the page.
Strengthen subtext and symbolism so it delivers your novel’s deepest truths.
My half-done novel sat in a messy pile. Then I found Angela. She guided me step-by-step in rescuing and renewing my writing practice. We met via phone, or zoom in two-to-three-week intervals for nearly two years. My submission dates were mutually scheduled and provided the motivation to keep my writing on course. Her expertise and insight gave me valuable strategies for improving and completing my novel. Foremost, Angela is kind and wise imparting her guidance. If you are a writer looking for a great coach, writing expert, and a way forward, contact Angela. ~V.L. Stewart, Kalamazoo, Michigan
What kind of novelists will benefit most from the Novel Salon Program?
The salon welcomes serious novelists who love deep dives into craft–even contradictory craft tips offering options that work for one writer, but not another. What’s the right fit for you? The salon helps you decide–even change your mind over time, adapt to new phases in drafting, and keep writing forward with new strategies and support along the way.
STOP MOVING FORWARD PIECEMEAL. MAKE A LONG-TERM COMMITMENT TO YOUR WORK.
Four months per season. 60+ pages each season.
The Inlet’s Novel Salon Program is more than a critique group–though there’s an option to become part of one of our groups to get feedback.
It’s more than a one-to-one mentorship–though I’ll be there to coach you every month if you’d like.
And it’s more than a craft master class–though you’ll get focused, thoughtful tips and prompts to nudge you to let your characters write the novel for you–without letting them steal your pen.
The Salon provides continuity, monthly tips, group camaraderie, community–and more. The kind of connections you can get from a group of likeminded peers who share pages and gain a deep understanding of each other’s work over time. Plus, you get long-term access to a knowledgeable professional–yup, that’s me–handing out maps she knows well. And helping you calibrate your own compass, so you can do your own navigation, but reach out for help when it’s needed.
Here’s how we’ll work together in the Inlet’s Novel Salon (details below from the 2023-24 season. Updates to come for the new 4 month seasons Sept-Dec 2024 & Jan-April 2025.)
Small Salon, One-to-One, or Hybrid Coaching Tracks
SEPT-APRIL. Each Track includes differing types and frequency of instructor feedback to support your novel's development and your development as a novelist: The Small Salon Track offers instructor & peer feedback via critique groups of 2-4 writers meeting for facilitated critique once a month for 7 of our 8 months. The One-to-One Track offers personalized feedback, instructor-to-student, either once a month for 8 months or approx. every other month. The Hybrid Track combines group critique and one-to-one coaching session for 4-8 sessions, Negotiable. Details are below.
"Metaphor in the Making" Curriculum
OCT-DEC & FEB-APRIL. All salon writers receive a "Metaphor in the Making" workbook. Six of our eight months you’ll work through approximately 10+ pages of workbook content, including excerpts or links to select articles for group discussion, excerpts of established writers’ work demonstrating techniques of each season, discussion questions, writing prompts, craft & self-coaching tip sheets. Accompanied by the Inlet Salon’s Metaphor in the Making instructional video series (at least three 15-30 minute videos per season).
Novel Salon Annex
MEETS TUESDAY, NOON CT, A WEEK BEFORE LARGE SALON. Exclusively for novelists in the Novel Salon. Two meetings per season. Come to this session to reinforce your novel's scaffolding, from scene outline and synopsis, to character web, to plot hole filling and foundation pouring as needed. May include discussion of how metaphor can help you develop and plot theme. Invites conversation about and analysis of your own novels' metaphors, select quotes from the month's readings, group discussions, and takeaway tips. We'll also open time for writers who'd like to troubleshoot challenges with their novels--anything goes. Meets for approximately an hour and a half. (Priority meeting.)
Large Salon
MEETS TUESDAY EVENING, MID-MONTH, 6-8 PM CT. All Inlet Salon writers come together to discuss the Metaphor in the Making course content, and how they're building metaphor into their own work. May include analysis of metaphors in published writers work, looking at development of image and play of imagination in season one, and transformational arc of character, scene, structure in poetry and prose in season 2. Includes breakout sessions with cohorts, where you’ll either share insights from discussion questions around optional reactions and workbook exercises, or talk through takeaways from your annotations (your analysis of a self-selected craft element in an established writers’ work). (Top priority meeting.)
Salon Writing Challenges
APPROXIMATELY 3-4 TIMES A MONTH you'll meet to write in shared solitude to open an inlet into your work for an hour and a half. Occasional optional writing prompts from the workbook. One challenge is for the Novel Salon only, the others are for all Inlet Salon writers, including Salon Novelists. Schedule varies and occasionally converges with larger community Inlet Write-Alongs. Opt-in as you're able. Bring your WIP & try out a prompt or just bring your work-in-progress, dig in and write based on your needs "write now." (Optional meeting.)
Metaphor in the Making Troubleshooting
ONCE A MONTH, for two of our three months, we'll meet for an hour and a half to troubleshoot the impact and "ripple effect" of metaphor in the making in your own writing and try out Metaphor in the Making exercises from the workbook. We'll take an extra step to transform craft and writing practice tips into practical editing skills that help you clarify your vision, raise your voice, and deepen trust in your own choices in drafting and revision. You're invited to bring questions on metaphors you're developing, metaphors you've been reading, and metaphors you've encountered in the wild (from TV to dinner parties to the natural world). (Medium priority meeting.)
Inlet Salon Spirit
The concept of a “salon” is founded upon conversations–in small rooms or narrow hallways–where creatives gather to share insights, talk taste, disagree, question, deepen their knowledge and expand connections. We’ll have various gatherings each month to reinforce essential techniques, workshop your writing, challenge assumptions, test theories, reinforce rules, break them–and have fun along the way.
Additional Salon Spirit Features
- Salon Foyer Session: At the beginning of each season we’ll meet for a group orientation to look ahead to the season and get to know each other.
- Salon Annotations: Opt into sharing an annotation with Angela and/or salon peers. Identify a craft issue you’d like to explore in another writer’s work, make annotated notes in the margins, and share your key takeaways in a salon session.
- Synthesis Conferences: All Novel Salon members meet with Angela for a half hour orientation session, a mid-point synthesis session, and a finale synthesis session to touch base on goals, progress, challenges, and any questions about the program or your writing practice.
- Salon (& Inlet) Soirees: We’ll meet periodically for pop-up Soirees, which may include author interviews, writing practice exercises, mixing & mingling, war stories & success stories of the writer’s life, & more.
- Reading Soirees: At the end of each season we’ll have 1-2 reading soirees. Writers will read from short excerpts of their WIPs or their one-page synopsis.
- Inlet Beta Readers Club Membership: Once per season, you’ll have the chance to opt into the Inlet Beta Readers Club to get a beta-read of either your complete manuscript (novel, memoir, or collection of short stories, flash fiction, poetry) or partial manuscript with other salon novelists and/or Inlet writers or readers.
- Double Season Salon Synthesis Sessions: All Novel Salon writers automatically sign up for a “Double Season” (the fall/winter season, and the winter/spring season) and receive a bonus Synthesis Week in January. You’ll meet for three Writing Challenges and your mid-point one-to-one Synthesis Conference to shore up your progress so far, and look to the horizon for what’s next.
Salon Novelists are encouraged to share pages outside of facilitated critiques or One-to-One coaching. Some options include: 1) Joining the Inlet Beta Readers Club during the winter/spring salon, and swapping pages with other writers and/or club members; 2) Meeting for peer-scheduled, unfacilitated Mini-Sessions with your Small Salon between scheduled meetings. 3) Plus, I will occasionally encourage a facilitated Mixed Critique Group Session in lieu of a regular critique or one-to-one session, when writers can mingle and share work.
PREQEL OPTION: Writers new to the salon can opt into an independent study of previous season’s content at a negotiated fee before a new season begins. Contact Angela for options.
Sign up for the SMALL SALON (CRITIQUE GROUP) TRACK, ONE-TO-ONE COACHING TRACK, HYBRID TRACK, OR PART-TIME TRACK
SMALL SALON (CRITIQUE GROUP) TRACK
wait-list spots are open for fall 2024-spring 2025
Eight months of salon support; seven months of facilitated peer critique.
FEE includes both the Fall/Winter 2024 and Winter/Spring 2025 seasons: TBA
$400 deposit is due upon acceptance. Balance due winter 2025.
Monthly critique group of 2-3 writers.
Each facilitated salon submits once a month for 7 of our 8 months & meets on Zoom for group critique.
THURSDAY SMALL SALON: One Thursday morning early in the month, from 10am-12:30pm CT. Submit up to 5500 words/session 3-4 days before we meet.
SATURDAY SMALL SALON: One Saturday afternoon per month, 2-4:30pm CT. Submit up to 5500 words/session 3-4 days before we meet.
CONFERENCE BONUS: Includes at least two half-hour one-to-one conferences with Angela (mid-term and at the end of the program).- At the beginning of the Salon Program, in September, please submit a one-page synopsis of your novel.
- When submitting manuscript pages, all writers are asked to include a 1-3 sentence summary of each scene included in their submitted pages, as a separate document. (What happens, what’s at stake. A template will be provided in advance of the program.)
- Monthly Critique Options: 1) Submit 5500 words per month OR, 2) Writers can submit up to 2500 words of structural work in lieu of manuscript pages (plot outline, scene outline, character sketches, etc.) OR, 3) Writers can also request either a critique of their one-page synopsis in lieu of a manuscript critique, or a troubleshooting session following the salon Troubleshooting guidelines.
As a former member of Angela’s novel salon group as well as her flash fiction course, I can heartily attest to her ability to tap into each student’s potential as an individual with their goals and sensitivities in mind. She offered me feedback that was on point and practical, focusing on both what worked and what didn’t. I was looking to advance my skills as a writer and to complete a novel for publication; I didn’t want any sugar-coating, just honest feedback from an expert, and I got that. Her capacity as a group facilitator is skilled. My group consisted of writers from several genres and Angela deftly guided us as we critiqued our colleagues’ work and received their critiques of our own (which sometimes can be tough to receive!) Many of her students became traditionally published authors, including myself, and I attribute my success in part to Angela’s guidance. Her interest and encouragement of me as a writer continued even after I completed my courses as she checked in via email with kind words and wise insights, and even referred me to others in her network with whom she thought I might connect. To me, Angela goes above and beyond the role of teacher. Her caring, insightful nature will put anyone at ease and most importantly, allow them to experience the joy of writing. ~ Kimberly Behre Kenna, Branford, CT, author of Artemis Sparke and the Sound Seekers Brigade 2/2/23
ONE-TO-ONE COACHING TRACK
filled for the fall 2024 and spring 2025 seasons.
Four months of salon support; three months of one-to-one coaching.
Chose one of two options.
FEES & WHAT YOU GET:
$200 deposit is due upon acceptance. Balance due by the last month of the season.
- Meet for seven, hour-long manuscript-critique one-to-one coaching sessions. We will discuss up to 20 manuscript pages approximately once a month, Sept-May, for a total of up to 160 manuscript-formatted* pages, approx. 1/2 of your novel, in nine months. Plus meet for one mid-program synthesis conference & a final evaluation synthesis conference (a program wrap and novel progress overview).
- Receive focused written developmental feedback along with each one-to-one (approx. a page of notes, and/or inline developmental comments using the comments feature in word) on big-picture story development (does not include line edits or proofing). Also receive brief feedback on revision follow-ups of 5-10 pages submitted within 2 weeks of our one-to-one. Feedback is designed to help you pace plot and identify major and minor turning points, pace scenes and strengthen character arcs & theme, and pace sentences and the structural aspects of prose. Most importantly, our mentorship encourages you to see and name what you’re doing, and how you’re doing it. Get better at answering, "When does it work, when doesn’t it work, and why?" I’ll provide strategies for how to rework and continue to problem solve using the salon approaches of troubleshooting, annotations, and brainstorming.
- Meet approximately every other month for five, hour-long manuscript-critique one-to-one coaching sessions. We will discuss up to 20 manuscript pages each time we meet, for a total of up to 100 manuscript-formatted* pages, approx. 1/3 of a novel, in eight months. Plus meet for one mid-program synthesis conference & a final evaluation synthesis conference (a program wrap and novel progress overview)
- Receive focused written developmental feedback along with each one-to-one (approx. a page of notes, and/or inline developmental comments using the comments feature in word) on big-picture story development (does not include line edits or proofing). Also receive brief feedback on revision follow-ups of 5-10 pages submitted within 2 weeks of our one-to-one. Feedback is designed to help you pace plot and identify major and minor turning points, pace scenes and strengthen character arcs & theme, and pace sentences and the structural aspects of prose. Most importantly, our mentorship encourages you to see and name what you’re doing, and how you’re doing it. Get better at answering, "When does it work, when doesn’t it work, and why?" I’ll provide strategies for how to rework and continue to problem solve using the salon approaches of troubleshooting, annotations, and brainstorming.
HYBRID TRACK
HYBRID TRACK FEE: TBD
contact Angela for details: angelarydell@gmail.com
Nine months of salon support; a mix of facilitated peer critique and one-to-one coaching.
I’m happy to talk about whether the program is a good fit for your development as a novelist, and your novel’s development. Email me at angelarydell@gmail.com and we can set up a time to chat and go over what option is best for you.
Angela is a dedicated pedagogue who respects the craft / art of teaching as much as she does the craft / art of writing. She treats both arts with great care, and her students are the better for it. For me, she was the perfect balance between encouragement and gentle nudges to venture beyond my comfort zone. With her support, I was able to complete my first full short story draft! ~Melissa Reiser, Madison, WI
Ready to enter the Inlet and apply for the Nine Month Novel Salon Program?
Fill out the Novel Salon Interest Survey:
Then submit a 5-page writing sample and a 1-page synopsis to me over email: angelarydell@gmail.com
From the core of the salon flows a steady stream of guidance and support to help you find your way back in, month after month—through craft tips, unit prompts, mindset exercises and discussions, process tips, and the Inlet community itself, including professional support and individual conferences to check your progress or just talk about your work, as well as scheduled one-to-one mentorship sessions (for One-to-One Track writers).
And as you progress through the program and apply the techniques to your drafts, you’ll get your bearings for your own writer’s journey as the terrain changes.
Let the Novel Salon Program help you forge your own path forward. You’ll gain insight as you dig deep, and through discussions and tips and group accountability, develop the stamina to keep going–so you can carry your craft forward from first draft to last.