Types of Creative Writing (Fiction/Creative Non-Fiction)

Peter Hühn and Roy Sommer define narration as a “communicative act in which a chain of happenings is meaningfully structured and transmitted in a particular medium and from a particular point of view.” This definition applies not only to fiction but also to certain modes of poetry, song lyrics, and dramatic works. This ENG 313 course will examine the art of storytelling via different media. We all tell stories. The challenge is to find the best or most appropriate vehicle by which to tell them. We will experiment with different genres, and explore different narrative strategies, whether it be telling a story via poetry or song lyric, or by the more conventional short story, or by having characters engage in dialogue in dramatic form. Specific exercises will include recalling, transcribing and/or inventing dialogue; crafting scenes; transforming a short narrative from prose to verse and vice versa; and more.

Requirements

A short story, roughly 6 to 10 pages long, and/or a dramatic scene (in screenplay
format), again 6 to 10 pages long
Approximately 5 pages of poetry and/or lyrics
Revisions of all work
Attendance, with participation in discussions and workshops

Texts
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, Junot Diaz

There will also be a COURSE READER, which will be available at Professional Image.
For information on this course, contact the instructor at rodneym@hawaii.edu