W301 5161 WRITING FICTION
Crystal Wilkinson

11:15a-12:30p TR (15 students) 3 cr. PREREQUISITE: W103 or W203 (or equivalent). Section requires permission of instructor.

This creative writing workshop is a place where a community of writers will come together and practice their arts. The emphasis is on the short story. The texts we’ll use for this class will mostly be your own: everyone will have an opportunity to have at least three short stories (40-45 pages) critiqued by the instructor and all members of the class. One story will be revised significantly. We will also be reading stories and essays by a variety of contemporary writers, paying close attention to the way they weave story elements like plot, character, voice, dialogue, scene, setting, and time to create meaning in a fictional framework. Students will be asked to do weekly writing exercises both in and out of class. Our goals are to develop craft and to learn to give constructive feedback. We will pay special attention to revision, give in-depth, honest critique, and respect all the members of our community. We will hone our skills, write the stories that are on our hearts to tell, and learn how to take risks. The texts will be drawn from a course packet and from Janet Burroway’s Writing Fiction.

To apply for admission send an 8-12 page writing sample and a brief statement (approximately one double-spaced page) telling me about your interest in writing and your experience. Packets should be placed in my mailbox in BH 442. Applications are reviewed as they come in and a list of accepted students will be posted on my office door (BH 527). Please keep copies of your originals, as manuscripts will not be returned. The names of admitted students will be given to the Creative Writing Program Secretary in BH 442. As soon as you are admitted, obtain an on-line authorization to register from the secretary. You must have an authorization in order to register.