THURSDAYS, Oct. 23rd - Dec. 4th* | Want to write a short story by the end of the year? This is the class for you!
We'll spend six weeks building stories from the foundation. We'll celebrate the trouble at the heart of good short fiction. We'll look at ways to get characters in and out of (or deeper into) hot water. We'll look closely at short stories that achieve unity of purpose, precision of craft, and an emotional wallop. We’ll explore diverse forms and voices and examine not only how each story builds from the first word to the last but how tightly the structure depends upon - and enhances - our understanding of character.
During these six weeks, each student will craft a short story from beginning to end, starting with in-class exercises and prompts. Homework will consist of weekly reading assignments as well as student writing. Please be prepared to share your work in class, as we will regularly do so in a supportive, respectful, and constructive manner (with guidelines provided by the instructor). If you've written short fiction before, or are looking to start, this class will give you concrete help in developing and strengthening your craft. You will finish class with a complete first draft of a short story.
Note: this class is generative rather than revision-oriented. While you may already have a draft, please be prepared to write (and share) new material.
*No class Nov. 27th