This fiction
workshop will familiarize students with a range of styles and forms of fiction,
and encourage them to start developing a personal aesthetic for what makes a
piece of fiction writing “successful.” A mix of assigned exercises and free
writing allow students to hone craft while experimenting with style and form.
Our readings will also help students define the elements of fiction, and how
they function.
In a
workshop setting, the attentiveness and thoughtfulness of the peer group is
essential; therefore, attendance and participation are reflected in the course
grade. Each week, expect to read and discuss selections from Narrative
Design: A Writer’s Guide to Structure, as well 1-2 published stories, and
peer work. In addition to shorter weekly assignments, students are expected to
workshop three stories over the course of the semester.
Texts:
The
Scribner Anthology of Contemporary Short Fiction: 50 North American Stories
Since 1970
Lex Williford (Editor), Michael Martone (Editor)
Publisher: Touchstone; 2nd edition (December
4, 2007)
ISBN-10: 1416532277
ISBN-13: 978-1416532279
Narrative
Design: A Writer’s Guide to Structure
Madison
Smartt Bell
Publisher: W W Norton & Co Inc (January
1997)
ISBN-10: 0393971236
ISBN-13: 978-0393971231