Certificate in Creative Writing
Overview
This one- to two-year program is designed for students committed to their writing – ideal for those who do not need an advanced degree or for those planning to apply to an MFA program in the future, or those who simply wish to develop a portfolio of writing.The program requires students to complete two Core Courses, at least one Elective, our Critical Reading course, and a Project Tutorial. Students need not declare a Fiction or a Creative Non-Fiction track. Instead, we encourage students to mix fiction and non-fiction courses as they wish.
In addition to coursework, the Certificate offers special programming such as salons, networking events, and student readings. Core classes will be offered every term.
You may join the program at any point during the year.
After completing the program, graduates will be welcome to join any one of StoryStudio's ongoing workshops so they may continue to build a writing community and further develop their stories.
Requirements
First Core Course Options:Creative Writing I (8 weeks) This course introduces students to a variety of writing styles and genres, encouraging them to experiment with both fiction and non-fiction forms. Poetry is used to enhance language and imagery skills. A major focus is on developing basic storytelling craft.
OR
Beginning Fiction (8 weeks) This class will focus on teaching the elements of storytelling and how they apply to fiction. Exercises and class discussions teach students how to free their imaginations and how to discover more about their characters and stories. The thoughts and writings of published authors, the narrative and story structure of fiction, and the feedback and support of our classmates all contribute to class discussion.
Second Core Course Options:
After completing CWI or Beginning Fiction, students choose to continue in either fiction or creative non-fiction. (However, students are encouraged to mix both fiction and creative non-fiction classes!)
Fiction students will benefit greatly from Intermediate Fiction (8 weeks) as this class/workshop focuses on shepherding student manuscripts as well as delving deeper into craft elements. Instructors may use published works to enhance discussion.
Creative Non-Fiction students will choose from one of our classes in LifeWriting, Personal Essay, Memoir, or Freelance Magazine Writing (see links below).
Critical Reading Class:
Reading as a Writer (4 sessions over eight weeks)
This class, meeting on alternating weeks to allow for at home reading time, teaches students how to read as writer. Discussions explore author choices, the use of language and character, plot, and so forth. Instructors use either a long form of fiction or creative non-fiction, or several short form examples.
Electives (8 weeks)
Students choose one elective course, such as Novel, Short Story, Memoir, Personal Essay or LifeWriting
NOTE: Creative Non-Fiction students may choose to repeat their non-fiction second class requirement to satisfy this elective requirement.
Final Project Tutorial
Students work one-to-one with an advisor over the course of a term to assist students in completing their final project to achieve the certificate, either one short story or novel chapter, or comparable non-fiction work.
Costs
There is a one-time, non-refundable Program Charge of $195 to cover administrative costs, extra programming and a two-year membership to StoryStudio Chicago. Certificate Students pay for the individual courses chosen. Course fees vary and are payable at time of class registration.Certificate students are considered “StoryStudio members” and receive:
- two-year StoryStudio membership
- a discount on all classes, events, and merchandise
- StoryStudio Member Gift (T-Shirt, journal or string sack)
- guaranteed spot in core classes (when payment is received)
- free admission to Writing Cafes and Write-A-Thons while in program
- entrance to expanded open writing sessions during weekday evenings
- invitations to special salon discussions and networking events
- Participate in student readings as well as a “graduation” reading to share their work with the public
- Ongoing advising