VIGNETTES, SHORT FICTION AND STARTING THE LONGER NARRATIVE

Course Description

This course will introduce students to the methods and practice of creative writing with a focus on fiction. During the first few weeks of the quarter we'll engage in writing activities that address various issues of movement, invention, imagery, revision, dialogue etc.--and then you'll put those techniques to work in your own work. By the third meeting of the course we'll begin meeting in workshop, with in-class discussion and evaluation of student writing. Requirements: five stories (1000-2000 words); oral and written critiques of stories submitted to workshop; short writing activities; active and enthusiastic class participation. The WORKSHOP will be the heart of this class. Attendance is mandatory to facilitate the workshop, plus you will be required to give written and oral critiques of stories submitted to workshop. Please be prepared to contribute in the constructive discussion of the work submitted! Bring a copy of your story the day it is to be workshopped. DO NOT REVEAL YOUR NAME! Stories will be read anonymously to engender honest, but fair class critiques. I believe that the best work stands on its own and doesn’t need to be defended by the author. You learn from grievous mistakes far more than from unwarranted praise, or sometimes well intentioned praise. The shroud of anonymity is a wonderful tool to engender risk in the workshop and we shall use it. Please email me your story the following day so that I can be astonished at my poor assumptions of who wrote what. I will offer weekly themes, but I will consider themes of your own, but first discuss your intentions with me.