This workshop is devoted to the wide field of writings that are
nonfictional and yet creative in the sense that the particular
intelligence and sensibility of the writer is an important part of
the project.  The field includes among its possibilities
autobiography and biography, personal essays, and certain kinds of
documentary projects and new-journalistic cultural commentary.  The
goals of the workshop are to expand its members' appreciation of
creative nonfiction, to bring them closer to their potential as
writers, and to give them practice in constructive criticism within
one model of a writing community.

During the semester the instructor will introduce autobiography and
the personal essay, and perhaps another mode, guided by the interests
of class members.  Within the course’s focus, students will be free
to work on a project or projects of their choice.

Workshop members will normally be expected to hand in 50-60 pages of
finished work--typically four pieces of new work and a thorough
revision of one of them.  (After the opening weeks, students will
hand in 10-12 finished pages and a shorter exercise every three
weeks.  Everyone will read and comment in writing on all submissions.
We will frequently discuss the process of writing, and there will be
occasional readings from outside the workshop.  There will be no
exams. Grades will be based on the quality and quantity of work
submitted, and on contribution to the discussion of classmates'
work.  Timely submission of work will be essential

Admission is by consent of the instructor based on a sample of
previous work and to some degree on your background.  To apply, put
two pieces (10-20 pages) of your writing closest to creative
nonfiction in my departmental mailbox, along with a short note about
your experience as a writer and your hopes for this course.  Include
your phone number, e-mail and mailing addresses, and add a self-
addressed envelope if you want the sample back.  I will review
submissions weekly and post the results on my door (BH428) and with
the creative writing secretary in BH442.

I would be glad to discuss the course with prospective students.  If
you have questions about the course, I would be glad to see you at my
office hours (TTh 2:30-4) or hear from you by e-mail
woodcock@indiana.edu.  You might also consult the grapevine and/or my
version of it from an earlier version of the course, on this webpage:
	  http://www.indiana.edu/~jaweng/syllabi/w301nf-grape.html