English 100NF - Winter, 2012

Creative Writing: Nonfiction

Class Information

Instructor: Freed, Lynn
Time: TR 10:30-11:50
Location: 248 Voorhies

Description

This is an upper division seminar in the writing of fiction. It will be conducted as a workshop and concentrate mostly on short fiction. We will discuss finding a voice, creating a character, shaping a story, working transitions and many other aspects of creative writing. In every class, one or more stories or essays from assigned texts or handouts will be analyzed and discussed, and a written response to assigned reading will also be required. In addition, we will analyze and discuss two or more student manuscripts per class. And there will be a number of exercises assigned, some to be done in class and some to be handed in. Each student will be expected to produce:

one 3-5-page story
one 5-7 page story
one major rewrite of either story

Selected rewrites may be chosen for class discussion towards the end of the quarter. Guidelines for manuscript submission and class procedures will be handed out at the first workshop. Admission by permission of the instructor.

Grading

Based one-third on attendance and participation, one-third on reading comprehension and written critiques, and one-third on the quality and improvement of your work. Grades will be assigned at the end of the quarter.

Texts

READER (Davis Copy Shop)
Reader
The Art of the Tale: An International Anthology of Short Stories, Daniel Halpern