We will spend a portion of every class, especially early in the semester, to read and discuss the major points Janet Burroway makes about the formal elements of fiction. At this time we will do several short writing exercises, out of which you may develop two or three major stories for submission to the entire class. After the initial stage when we use the textbook extensively to think about the art and craft of creative writing, we will move on to the regular workshop focused on discussing your submissions. Our class will operate as a circle of fellow artists who help each other out through objective criticism and encouragement. I know quality is subjective, of course, but I think by now I can recognize quality when I see it.
Attendance is mandatory.
For each class missed after the first two, you lose 2 points each, although I will make some exceptions for documented emergencies, illness. All the works to be included in the final dossier must be presented for in-class peer critique and revised. I reserve the right to make assignments linked to Visiting Writers Series readings, Broadside , and other events. Please follow the reading and writing schedule. I will be making several additions as we progress.