Creative Writing bobby.chin@wayne.k12.in.us Voicemail: 2274097
Course Description: Introduction to the creative writing process, as well as a study of literary techniques, terms, and genres. Inherent in this study is the development of authorial voice through the practice of short fiction and screenwriting.
Objectives: o To understand and practice the writing process from prewriting, through multiple experiments with language, to the refining and submission of a completed writing product o To increase appreciation for good writing and sensitivity to the subtleties of language
Resources: The 3AM Epiphany: Uncommon Writing Excercises to Transform Your Fiction By: Brian Kitely What If? Writing Exercises for Fiction Writers By: Anne Bernays and Pamela Painter Writing Fiction: A Guide to Narrative Craft By: Janet Burroway, Elizabeth StuckeyFrench Imaginative Writing: The Elements of Craft By: Janet Burroway Writer's Market (current) By: Robert Lee Brewer, Chuck Sambuchino Writer's Market Companion Joe Feiertag, Mary Carmen Cupito
Course Requirements: o o o o o o o o
Outside reading of a novel/memoir on the “writing life” Conference discussing outside novel Genre pieces At least 3 inclass excercises (400 words) per week 1500 word fiction piece 15 page professionally formatted screenplay Portfolio Submit one work to Giant Visions
Portfolio Contents:
o A Portfolio Writer’s Statement o Semester Project (screenplay or fiction) o An example of another genre not represented in semester project
o 6 Excercises: Original work, RevisionTyped, and detailed Commentary o A Creative Artifact that represents your portfolio (not writing!)
Evaluation: I will score exercises using the following designations: Complete (credit), or Incomplete (No credit—finish or revise). You will have one week to resubmit Incomplete work.
Feedback drafts: I will use the following designations developed by Edwina L. Helton and Jeff Sommers to indicate my perception of the draft’s status: o An E means that your draft seems to be an early one—one that could benefit from some rethinking and revision. o An M means that your draft appears to be in the middle stages of the writing process. This draft has some solid and interesting ideas, but it could benefit from some revision and editing in order to prepare it for submission. Middle drafts often need further fleshing out of ideas or sharpening of the structure through which those ideas are presented. o An L means that your draft is close to being a finished work. This draft probably needs some polishing and editing.
Expectations: You are responsible for making up all missed assignments. If an exercise or collaborative review is assigned on a day you are absent, it is up to you to make up the assignment. Projects are due at the beginning of class. You will not be allowed to print out your papers or organize your submissions on the day the project is due. Please be prepared!
Publication: Publishing your work is the last step in the writing process and one which we will explore this semester. We will discuss conventional publication, but also research new media options. Your best work will be submitted to BD’s literary magazine, Giant Visions.
Participation: Writing is a personal act. This classroom will be a place where you will hopefully feel safe to take risks with your writing. You will approach others’ work with the utmost respect and will enjoy the same treatment. Any inappropriate comments regarding another writer or his/her work will result in possible removal from class. Because writing is also a social act, class participation is essential.
We will conduct peer response sessions (not editing!), and I will expect you to be open to the opinions of others; however, you are ultimately responsible for your own writing decisions.