CREATIVE WRITING and LANGUAGE

Creative Writing/Writing Poetry (610)

We will explore how language and imagination come together to make the literary arts we are passionate about it. We will read, write and discuss contemporary poetry and probably a little prose, too, in a range of styles. Classes will be conducted in a workshop fashion. The primary focus of the class will be the discussion of one another s writing. Additional activities may include in-class writing activities.

Writing Your Memoir (611)

Explore the process of creating literary memoir from real memories and experiences. Through the examination of work by great contemporary artists and direct feedback from fellow writers, we will consider form, tone, strategies, and other tools to enrich our attempts at personal writing. Participants should be ready to share their work with others and respond in kind with thoughtful preparation. The instructor will provide reading materials as handouts.

Writing Short Stories (612)

This class will introduce students to the fundamental elements of fiction: plot/ structure, conflict/tension, point of view, setting, dialogue, character, voice, and scene. As models of these techniques, we will read both classic and contemporary stories from writers like Joyce Carol Oats, ZZ Packer, and Daniel Orozco, plus as short passages on craft from Making Shapely Fiction by Jerome Stern and Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott. We will devote some class time to writing exercises in order to generate ideas, and each student will have the opportunity to workshop a story at least twice. Students must purchase a copy of Making Shapely Fiction by Jerome Stern.