A FICTION CRAFT COURSE

Over this eight-week course, writers will develop their skills and understanding relating to both the mechanics and aesthetics of the short story. That is, while it is obviously important to have a firm hold on the levers of effective technique, we will also prioritize the less objective parts of craft, the parts that you and only you can bring to the narrative and which subsequently make your work distinctly yours. The course’s overall aim is to help each writer become more confident in his or her decision-making with the idea that once a writer internalizes certain narrative tools, he or she will become more independent and self-sufficient as a writer. We’ll do this through in-class exercises, writer-centered workshops, and critical readings of stories by Breece D’J Pancake, Wells Tower, Alice Munro, and others, so that each class member gains a working knowledge of various ideas, techniques, and effects. By the end of the course, my sincere hope is for each writer to have a well-revised, possibly even complete, short story that can be used as a tool for future work and growth. In addition, we will also discuss the submission process, literary journals, cover letters, publication, and anything else the class feels will be helpful to their work. One of my favorite writing maxims is that good writing captivates, while great writing fascinates. My goal is to have this course help you to get to these places.