Introduction to Fiction Writing

Course Description

The overarching theme is how to write stories that make a reader think and make a reader feel. We are surrounded by stories—they're like air—yet writing compelling stories is requires work, craft, technique, and a hearty dose of bravery. The objectives of this course are to give students the toolkit they need to write effective and moving fictions, to be more nuanced thinkers, and to be more creatively fearless.

Students will dive into the elements of fiction writing: scene, character, dialogue, setting, language, time, and structure, for example. By allowing students to get their hands dirty with these techniques, the course provides the foundation needed for higher-level creative writing courses. Skills gained will translate into non-fiction and essay writing as well. Students will read a host of short stories, of various styles, will do in-class writing assignments, out-of-class writing assignments, and participate in a traditional writing workshop, in which the story each student works on most extensively will be workshopped by the class, and then revised.

Students will understand what it means to read as writers, not just read as readers. They will understand the elements of good writing and how to create good writing. The rigorous nature of the course, and its requirement that students read and write more attentively than they may have ever done before, will also strengthen their skills in perception, creativity, and critical thinking.

Prerequisites: No expectation of prior knowledge.
Expect fluency in English.
Prefer rising juniors and seniors.