Creative Writing Workshop I: Emory Continuing Education (Fiction)

Phase Two: Creative Fiction workshop I

Phase two is where the real fun begins. In this phase you will start submitting written pieces for your instructors and classmates to critique. This phase can be a little scary, because you are putting yourself and your work out in the open for others to judge. In my next post I  will discuss my very first workshop experience and post my submitted piece along with my classmates and instructor critiques.

Course description:

In Workshop I, you will begin the process of developing original ideas into publishable manuscripts. Learn to write, revise, and write again as you practice completing short stories or the opening chapters of your novel. You will learn the essential elements of narrative structure, including techniques of plotting stories, novels and novellas.

Learning Objectives:

 Workshop I

• Learn the writing workshop process

• Learn to read with an analytical eye

• Learn to give and receive constructive criticism

• Learn to discuss and develop basic concepts of narrative

• Identify writing techniques employed by successful authors through

   Supplemental reading

• Complete the first draft of a short story or novel chapter

Course Structure

Each class includes a combination of lecture, discussion and workshop. The schedule of

lectures and homework assignments is subject to change as we see necessary.

Writing Submissions

Students will take turns submitting written assignments each week for workshop. The schedule of submission will be determined in the first class. Submissions should be between 1,000 and 4,000 words unless the instructor has given prior approval for longer or shorter selections. Students may submit short stories or chapters from a novel in progress, but please, no poetry or creative nonfiction.

All written work for the class must be typed, double-spaced and in 12-point font (Times New Roman or Arial, please). Please save the submission as either a PDF (.pdf) or Microsoft Word document (.doc) and name the file with your last name and the week of your submission. (Example: butler.week2.doc)

Writing submissions should be emailed to the class by Thursdays at noon prior to the discussion of the piece on Monday. This deadline is a courtesy to your classmates. Submissions received later may not give the instructor or your classmate’s adequate time to provide feedback on the work.

Readers should print out the submission, read it, make notes in the margins and be prepared to give critiques in class. You will hand your marked-up copy of the piece back to the author. Your written comments and remarks during class should be constructive criticism. Disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated. The work shopping process requires no small amount of vulnerability on the part of the writer. It’s the goal of the instructor to create a learning environment that’s supportive, sensitive and comfortable for everyone.

Textbooks

Koch, Stephen, "The Modern Library Writer’s Workshop: A Guide to the Craft of Fiction"

(Modern Library, 2003) 

For more information please see link below:
http://ece.emory.edu/creative_writing/fiction.html

Emory Continuing Education: Certificate in Creative Writing (Fiction)

Inspiration:


I have always had a passion for writing. I remember my first diary, and instead of writing secrets, or chronicling by blows of my childish adventures, I created fictional events and wrote them as truths. It was so easy to become lost within my diary, almost as if I had transported to another place.

 I also get that feeling after reading a good book, that satisfying feeling of taking a break from your current life, and being privy to the life and adventures of another.  For many reasons that could bore you to tears, I have not taken my writing very seriously over the years, minus a few poems, short stories, and mandatory term papers.

However, I have decided that I really want to take my writing seriously. As a first step, I am currently enrolled in the Emory Continuing Education (ECE): Certificate in Creative Writing (Fiction) Program. 

Emory Continuing Education -Creative Writing Certificate: Fiction 

Who does the program benefit?

This program is for residents who stay in the greater Atlanta area, that want to turn their ideas into published manuscripts. This is achieved by working with experienced instructors who are there to help you explore YOUR creative ideas and develop a strong body of work.  

Overall Objective:

The Creative Writing Certificate program provides individualized guidance from experienced instructors who are published in a variety of genres. Students Work with published authors to push through the writing blocks, think of better story angles, slants on articles and develop your own unique voice. A variety of electives will allow students to focus their learning in fiction, nonfiction, screenwriting and poetry and more.

(Information obtained from Emory's continuing education website)

Program Length:  

The program is about a year long, which is perfect for anyone who wants to take a course in creative writing but does not want to spend four years doing so.  

 Phase I: (My current phase) Introduction to Fiction

Instructor: Freelance writer and illustrator Tray Butler

Phase Length: Eight weeks; class is held Mondays from 7-9. 

Course materials:  Tom Baileys “On Writing Short Stories,” Francine Prose “Reading Like a Writer: A Guide for People Who Love Books and Those Who Want to Write Them.”  

Course work: Students are required to create blog post on Blackboard once a week, in response to the chapter readings from the course materials. The post should be a CRITICAL response and NOT a PLOT SUMMARY.

 Phase I Overview:  (Taken from syllabus)

Students will be introduced to the basic landscape of literary and commercial fiction, with an emphasis on honing the craft of storytelling. Students will read and dissect a range of works by well-known authors. Instructor-led discussion of writing elements will frame our consideration of published works. Critical thinking skills will emerge as we explore the elements of narrative storytelling found in the both classic and contemporary texts. Through an increased awareness of the tools and strategies of fiction writers, we will deepen our appreciation for the art that inspires our own work. Be prepared to discuss 2-3 pieces per class.

Learning Objectives

•Learn to read with the analytic eye of a writer

• Experience various genres of literary and commercial fiction by reading a range of authors

• Learn to identify and discuss writing techniques employed by successful authors

• Develop critical thinking skills to serve the craft of storytelling

I am so happy to start this journey and I hope that this is helpful to anyone seeking to take a creative writing course or workshop.  I will continue to post updates and details about what I am learning throughout the program. 


P.S. if you would like more information please click on the link below:

http://www.ece.emory.edu/creative_writing/

Yours Truly,

B. Mello