W401 7446 ADVANCED FICTION WRITING
Anthony Ardizzone

PREREQUISITE: W301. Requires permission of the instructor.

2:30p-3:45p TR (15 students) 3 cr.

The basic idea behind this creative writing workshop is that students learn best about writing fiction by writing and by listening to others constructively and objectively discuss their work in class. Students also learn by talking about their work with the instructor in conference and by rewriting. The aims of the course are to advance each individual student’s writing level and to help students develop a sound critical sense about both the genre of literary fiction as well as their own work. In addition to submitting at least two short stories or novel chapters (approximately 45-50 pages), students will read, critique, and discuss each other's creative work as well as the course's texts. The class will also analyze and discuss the two texts devoted to a discussion of fictional craft, examine several examples of contemporary fiction, technically analyze these examples, and learn related aspects of fictional craft and technique.

If you’re interested in enrolling in this advanced-level workshop, please send me an email containing the following information: (1) a list of your previous creative writing courses along with your instructor’s name and the semester in which you took the course, (2) a representative sample of your work (10-15 pages), and (3) any other information about yourself and/or your writing that you think pertinent. I’ll notify you about authorization within a day or two after receiving your email. I look forward to reading your fiction and working with you next semester.

Send your email to ardizzon@indiana.edu.

Texts: The Art of Fiction, John Gardner
Writing in General and the Short Story in Particular, Rust Hills
The Habit of Art: Best Stories from the Indiana University Fiction Workshop, edited by Tony Ardizzone.