How do writers create compelling stories, and what makes their writing memorable? What are the key elements of fiction and creative non-fiction, and how do writers craft personal essays, short stories, poems, and other genres? Effective writers engage the senses, emotions, intellect, and imagination, convey authentic experiences, and utilize literary devices—such as imagery, sound, rhythm, patterns, characterization, and dialogue—to create vivid scenes, convey meaning, and develop a distinctive voice. How do they harness “words of power” and appreciate “the power of words”?
This project-driven class welcomes students of all levels and backgrounds committed to enhancing their skills as effective fiction or creative non-fiction writers. Participants should come with a project in mind, possess college-level writing experience, and be highly motivated to work independently. Additionally, they should be dedicated to working in intensive collaborative peer editing groups to give and receive regular feedback. Students will select their own topics and writing genres, such as personal essays, fiction, speculative or climate fiction, poetry, manuscript making (or other), as they develop, draft, and revise one to three substantial projects. As they cultivate their craft and enhance their power as writers, they will explore various genres and styles and work to develop a writing practice grounded in authentic experiences enriched by culture and place. The course will include seminars, writing workshops, writing prompts, storytelling (characters and plot development) and other exercises. Students will analyze readings and texts, participate in peer-editing groups, and give short readings or presentations of their work.
Class meets on the Olympia Campus, Thursdays, 6-9 pm. Students will also be expected to spend an hour each week on asynchronous class activities such as responding, commenting, and giving feedback on readings, reflections, and writing projects.
Anticipated Credit Equivalencies:
4 - Writing: Fiction and Creative Non-Fiction
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Academic Details
Fiction and nonfiction writing, speculative and science fiction, climate fiction, podcasting, literature, language, communications, education, history, the arts, cultural studies, social, political and social discourse, natural history, environmental and diversity studies