We will consider the craft of writing and reading fiction through a combination of reading discussions, writing prompts and workshops. What makes a good story? This seemingly simple question will guide us through a range of literary perspectives, contexts and techniques; with their effects in mind, we will create and develop our own stories while engaging with each others’ writing. Drawing from examples of different narrative traditions, storytelling communities, and creative practices, we aim to be able to adapt these ideas in our own reading, writing, and editing.
Modes of fiction writing
Narrative conventions
Editorial practices
This course will be a combination of reading-based discussions and creative writing workshops. The discussions will focus on literary conventions, contexts, and creative writing approaches as exemplified in assigned readings. The workshops will put these ideas in practice.
Assessment is 100% coursework, consisting of:
65 % writing assignments: story submissions and revision
35% in-class participation: attendance, workshop and reading discussions, peer letters, and timely submissions
Texts may include:
shorter works by Justin Chin, Souvankham Thammavongsa, Ogawa Yoko, Ambai, J. L. Borges, and Gloria Anzaldua;
novel excerpts by Leo Tolstoy, Annie Ernaux, Adania Shibli, Franz Kafka, and Toni Morrison.