0208 - Introduction to Writing the Short Story: The Power of Words
Course Description
Want to begin or finish your novel? Are your lived experiences calling for a memoir? Do you want to try your hand at short story writing? This class is for you!
This is an intensive four-week class that meets for two hours once a week. Each participant will develop a short story, creative nonfiction essay, or begin a manuscript, which will be workshopped by the entire class. Additionally, at the end of the course, each student will have a conference with Rain to discuss their work.
A reading list will be assigned ahead of each class. We will study elements of craft, including point of view, characterization (direct and indirect), imagery, plot, and theme. As a class, we will closely define scene and summary, deep characterization, the rhythm of sentences, and movement in time.
Course Outline
In the course, we will discuss and answer the following questions:
- What makes a short story?
- What is the difference between fiction and creative nonfiction?
- What is plot, conflict, and climax?
- How do writers use narration?
- How do writers use summary and scene?
- How do writers write characters and dialogue?
You will also:
- Strengthen your writing, reading, and analytical skills through the process of writing the short story and creative nonfiction
- Explore the craft of creative writing through specific creative writing techniques
- Learn and explore the process of writing story drafts
- Embrace the discourse of creative writing by giving and receiving feedback on writing projects
- Have the possibility to engage and interact with others to create strong writing communities
- Produce a portfolio of your best work at the end of the course
Applies Towards the Following Certificates or Series
- Certificate in Professional Writing : Certificate in Professional Writing