ENGL 304 - Fiction Writing

“Writing goes much better when we don’t work at it so much. When we give ourselves permission to just hang out on the page. For me, writing is like a good pair of pajamas— comfortable.”

-Julia Cameron, “The Right to Write”

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This 16-week course, suitable for both novice and experienced writers. This course emphasizes workshops in the classroom and revision and reflection outside the classroom to encourage independent agency. Workshops analyze and appraise projects using the Describe/Praise/Question method outlined in K.L. Cook's The Art of Disobedience. Short fiction and craft essays augment classroom instruction. Class discussion explores craft, including issues of narration, language, dialogue, characterization. The creative process is demystified so students gain comfort with the generation, revision, and sharing of work with peers. Students reflect on personal tastes and sense of individual style. 

 

Even if students do not intend to pursue writing long-term, ENGL 304 offers students a chance to see the world with dimension and color, in a way they had not before. Creativity is the lifeblood of a dynamic, fulfilling life, and this course emphasizes skills and mindsets necessary for observation and cultivation of creative inspiration.