English 100F - Winter, 2014

Creative Writing : Fiction

Class Information

Instructor: Arnold, Elana
Time: TR 3:10-4:30
Location: 308 Voorhies

Description

This is an upper division seminar in writing fiction. We will read and write short fiction, and we will have FUN as we explore the stories we have to tell. Each student will create two short stories in addition to completing in-class writing exercises.
Our class will be conducted as a workshop and will concentrate mostly on short fiction. We will discuss finding your voice, setting a tone, creating a character, and much more. Each week, we will (in addition to discussing students’ work) read and talk about a published story. Some of these stories will be provided by me; other stories will be chosen by the students.
Each student will aim to create one 4-7 page story and one 8-12 page story, with a major rewrite of either story. The goal of the course is to PRESERVE students’ love of writing and reading of fiction while EXPANDING students’ abilities as readers, writers, and helpful responders to fellow writers’ work.

Grading

Final grade will be based in equal parts on attendance/participation, quality of short writing assignments and response to fellow students’ work, and the quality and improvement of your own work (which will be collected into a final portfolio).

Texts

Making Shapely Fiction, Stern
On Writing, King
Various Short Stories, available on smartsite