Class Catalog: Summer General Registration Begins June 4!

Class Title Course Type Instructor
Short-Story Workshop

We’ll strive to focus on a descriptive—rather than a prescriptive—approach to workshop critique. The goal of the class is to complete and submit a 10-25 page story for critique and then revise this story, as well as to develop and refine our approach to critique.

Class starts on Wed, 07/17/2013 - 7:00pm, view full description to see all meeting dates. 		Six Week Class Jennine Capó Crucet
Being Funny

In this generative class encompassing both fiction and memoir, we’ll discuss what makes comedy such a powerful artistic tool to illuminate the mysteriousness of life. We’ll do in-class writing, complete short homework assignments, and look at some very funny writing by contemporary writers such as George Saunders and Maria Semple.

Class starts on Thu, 07/11/2013 - 7:00pm, view full description to see all meeting dates. 		Six Week Class Michael Shilling
Brainstorming

It’s a question that can leave any writer paralyzed: “Where do I start?” In this six-week class, we’ll explore the best method of finding the answer via the chaotic and completely necessary process of brainstorming. At the core of the class: a strategic method of interrogation designed to help you find the heart of your story.

Class starts on Tue, 07/09/2013 - 7:00pm, view full description to see all meeting dates. 		Six Week Class David Schmader
Bringing Your Novel into the World

This is a class for writers who are in the midst of working on a novel. We'll cover various elements of craft and structure, and explore the psychological, emotional, and metaphysical work that a novelist does to bring his or her vision to fruition.

Class starts on Thu, 05/02/2013 - 7:00pm, view full description to see all meeting dates. 		Six Week Class Ryan Boudinot
Building the Frame: Structure in Short Fiction

In this class, we’ll experiment with alternative short-story structures, look to contemporary masters of the form (Lydia Davis, Matt Bell, etc.), read and discuss a single short story of nontraditional form every week, and workshop our own fiction. 

Class starts on Sat, 07/13/2013 - 10:00am, view full description to see all meeting dates. 		Six Week Class Kirsten Sundberg Lunstrum
Character Workshop

We will look at how character evolves through increasing levels of risk, as well as what detail, setting, and dialogue can reveal about character. Class sessions will include lecture/discussion as well as in-class writing from prompts designed to practice aspects of craft. Suggested texts: Story by Robert McKee, The Art of Subtext by Charles Baxter, The Feast of Love by Charles Baxter, and Best American Short Stories 2011. 

Class starts on Sat, 05/04/2013 - 10:00am, view full description to see all meeting dates. 		Six Week Class Scott Driscoll
Crafting the Personal Essay

Ever experienced something and thought, Wow, that’d make a good story? Through readings, workshops, and craft lessons, this class will explore the art of turning an anecdote into personal essay.

Class starts on Thu, 05/02/2013 - 7:00pm, view full description to see all meeting dates. 		Six Week Class Peter Mountford
Creating Memorable Characters

Your story or novel succeeds in large part on characterization: Are your characters interesting? Memorable? Versatile enough to carry the plot? This workshop will include lecture, discussion, and writing exercises aimed at making that fascinating character in your mind equally fascinating on the page.

Class starts on Sat, 06/01/2013 - 1:00pm, view full description to see all meeting dates. 		One Day Class Nancy Kress
Creative-Nonfiction Workshop

Bring a stand-alone personal essay or memoir chapter (up to 4,500 words) to this workshop-style class for constructive, supportive critique. The instructor will lead the critique and offer extensive feedback. Critiques may be supplemented by relevant readings, brief writing exercises, and mini-lessons on craft.

Class starts on Thu, 07/11/2013 - 4:00pm, view full description to see all meeting dates. 		Four Week Class Wilson Diehl
Finishing

Ah, summer. What better time to finish that project—the one you started years ago, the one that’s been languishing, or worse, driving you crazy. We’ll focus on structure. Is the beginning sound? Do the parts come together? Does the sequence make sense? Here’s a chance to harvest those words you planted seasons ago. Geared toward fiction and nonfiction.

Class starts on Wed, 07/10/2013 - 7:00pm, view full description to see all meeting dates. 		Four Week Class Nancy Rawles
Flash-Fiction Flyover

We’ll examine a diverse group of fine flash-fiction pieces by authors such as Ben Loory and Kathy Fish and zero in on what makes them worthy of our time. Then, using the examples as models, we’ll draft some of our own attempts and share them with the class.

Class starts on Sat, 08/10/2013 - 1:00pm, view full description to see all meeting dates. 		One Day Class Ross McMeekin
Grow Your Own Characters

This class is for writers who want to grow characters as effortlessly as Sea-Monkeys. We’ll discuss characters from a variety of readings, bring our own creations to life, and workshop the results. By the end of class, each writer will have at least one living, breathing character.

Class starts on Mon, 07/08/2013 - 7:00pm, view full description to see all meeting dates. 		Six Week Class Erin Gilbert