English 100F-1 - Winter, 2015

Creative Writing: Fiction

Class Information

Instructor: Freed, Lynn
Time: T 12:10-3:00
Location: 308 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. Sometimes a written response to assigned reading will be required, and there will be spot quizzes. 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, some to be handed in and/or read out. Each student will be expected to produce:

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

Longer stories may be submitted with permission. 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

Grading is 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

THE ART OF THE TALE: AN INTERNATIONAL ANTHOLOGY OF SHORT STORIES, Daniel Halpern, editor
WOE IS I, Patricia T. O'Conner