Creative Writing
Learn the basics of writing fiction for middle grade readers (children ages 8-12). We’ll learn about and practice key elements of fiction, as viewed through a middle-grade lens: dialogue, story structure, worldbuilding, and the thematic and line-level details that set the middle grade category apart from early reader and young adult books. Participants will have the opportunity to workshop one short story or novel excerpt with the group and receive feedback.
#11981, Online Live, 6/20-8/1, Thursday, 6-8 PM Instructor: Lindy Biller
In this course, we will discuss strategies for writing and polishing a picture book manuscript for children. There will also be an opportunity to workshop your manuscript and submit it for a professional critique from the instructor. By the end of the course, you will gain knowledge on next steps for either submitting to the publishing industry or for self-publication.
#11985, Online Live, 7/3-8/14, Wednesday, 6-8:30 PM Instructor: Alina Loux
Guided Autobiography (GAB) is a process pioneered by Dr. James Birren that is based on personal writing on life themes and sharing those stories in a supportive small group. By using the Guided Autobiography method, you will do more than start writing down your memories—you will gain insights into how the events of your life have contributed to the person you are today—and may become tomorrow. People who undertake Dr. Birren’s Guided Autobiography process join an international movement; there are over 600 instructors around the world in a connected community.
#35294, Truax-Protective Services Building, 9/5-10/3, Thursday, 6:30-8:30 PM Instructor: Sarah White
Beginning or advanced writers explore the possibilities of writing for fun and publication by practicing specific writing skills that enhance descriptive language usage, story-telling, and exposition, including styles, grammar usage, and imagery.
#35140, Online, 9/9-10/28 Instructor: Morgan Harlow
This course will provide a general overview of publishing for creative writers—with a focus on poetry, fiction, and creative non-fiction. Our aim is to help participants navigate the publishing world and learn how to publish their creative pieces. Participants will also learn important terminology and best practices for submission requirements, and we will explore different types of publications, discuss helpful organizational tools, and develop a publication plan for each participant’s creative piece(s).
#35350, Truax-Protective Services Building, 9/19-10/14, Monday, 5:30-7:30 PM Instructor: Alicia Salzmann
Welcome to the Fall Creative Writing Challenge! In this class you will receive a daily creative writing prompt from the instructor to fuel your creativity and build a daily writing habit. The goal is to write every day (even if just for a few minutes) for one month. Each week the class will meet to share the successes and challenges of writing every day, recharge our creativity, and connect with other writers. Each class session will include an in-class writing prompt, a chance to share written work, and other inspiring activities. No previous writing experience necessary.
#36791, Online Live, 9/26-10/31, Thursday, 12-1 PM Instructor: Amelia Fontella
Get in the mood for spooky season with this four-week, generative fiction writing seminar! You’ll dive into gothic tales, get inspired by urban legends, experiment with horror tropes, and create your own monsters. Each week, we’ll read example stories, respond to themed writing prompts, and have the optional opportunity to share work with the group.
#36798, Online Live, 10/3-10/24, Thursday, 6-8 PM Instructor: Lindy Biller
Are you interested in writing about your life? Then this class is the place for you. Whether you want to write about family history, or to tell your stories, or to explore ideas, you will find plenty of strategies and support in this class. My goal is to help you do the kind of writing that you want to do. We’ll have in-class writing exercise, take-home assignments, and time to share our work with each other. I’m looking forward to your histories, stories, and ideas!
#35176, Online Live, 10/3-11/7, Thursdays, 1-3 PM Instructor: Cate Stover
In this workshop, participants go deeper into the Guided Autobiography (GAB) is a process pioneered by Dr. James Birren. In "Going Deeper with Guided Autobiography," we cover more of GAB's nine themes: healthy/body, gender identity, experiences/ideas about death, and spiritual life and values. Students are in complete control of what they write and share; no one is pressured to read more than they are comfortable sharing with the group. The GAB method places more emphasis on self-development than writing craft. Participants should have completed “Introduction to Guided Autobiography” or a comparable workshop.
#35296, Truax-Protective Services Building, 10/17-11/14, Thursday, 6:30-8:30 PM Instructor: Sarah White
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