2014-2015 Academic Catalog

May 05, 2024

2014-2015 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

ENG 210 - Advanced Fiction Writing Workshop II

The Advanced Fiction Writing Workshop II is an evolutionary class, in particular for those who’ve taken Creative Writing Workshop Fiction, Novel Writing I, and/or Advanced Fiction I. The workshop class offers students who are serious about writing fiction—short stories or novels—a supportive seminar setting to present their work for discussion and suggestions, to learn how to critique the writings of others, to edit their own writing, and to participate in discussions about the art and craft of fiction writing.
The class aims to vanquish fear and enable students to create a believable world peopled by living characters. Students will further discuss traditional issues in writing, such as where to find story subjects and how to nurture and sustain the nuts and bolts of their writing practice.
Students will advance their understanding of how and why a story succeeds or fails, as well as adapt useful techniques for use in their own fiction. Choosing a story subject, editing and revision are key and intended to grow the students’ work. Class will hone character, tone, plot, dialogue, pace, as well as voice, surprise, humor, sentimentality, and cliché. We will address genres in fiction, as well as touch upon series fiction, screenplays, TV series, and theatrical plays.
Our discussions will also touch upon how to be published, how to find an agent,and how to deal with an editor, as well as self- and on-demand- publishing.
The course is open to students who have already taken Creative Writing Workshop Fiction, Novel Writing I, Advanced Fiction I, or with the permission of the instructor.