Creative Writing I
The best fiction and creative non-fiction utilize basic storytelling craft. Whether you’re looking to write fiction (short stories, novels) or creative non-fiction (personal essays, memoir, magazine), or if you’re not yet sure what you want to write, Creative Writing I provides a strong foundation of storytelling craft, including character development, scene building, plot development, and language.
This eight-session course is for writers of all levels, from beginners with little experience to published authors wishing to “go back to the basics” and solidify their storycraft. The focus is on building skills to tell a better story, as well as laying the groundwork for intermediate craft and workshop classes in both fiction and non-fiction.
Each week offers:
- writing prompts to help you begin to tell your stories
- techniques on developing craft elements, such as character and plot
- readings to help you learn to “read like a writer”
- lively class discussions
- student workshopping
You’ll be encouraged to work on a self-defined piece to share with classmates and receive critical feedback through “workshopping” to help you move forward. (Students do not need any prepared stories before the course begins!)
StoryStudio classes are typically limited to 15 participants or fewer. This intimate setting allows for greater interaction and personal attention.
How is this class different from Fiction I? If you know your focus is writing fiction, then we recommend taking Fiction I. However, if you think you may be interested in experimenting with forms of fiction and creative non-fiction, then Creative Writing I is a good choice.
Writer’s Roadmap
This is an excellent introductory course for writers interested in Personal Essay, Freelance Magazine Writing, and Memoir, as well as Fiction.
After completing Creative Writing I, those interested in fiction may take the Craft of Novel Writing, the Craft of the Short Story (coming in Spring), or the Craft of Writing for Children and Young Adults, or consider the Story Workout class to generate new material. Non-fiction writers should continue on to the Craft of Personal Narrative, Craft of Magazine Writing (coming in Spring), or Lifewriting to generate material.
About the Instructor—Monday evenings: A freelance writer with an MFA in creative Writing from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Sarah Terez Rosenblum’s select publications include Ignavia Press, Fictionatwork.com, The Sun Times, The Windy City Times, The Shepherd Express and Venus Magazine. She is Theater Listings Manager for centerstage.com, a twice-weekly blogger for The Chicago Sun Times, and a Spinning instructor, which means sometimes she forgets where she is and hollers at Creative Writing students to feel the burn. That won’t be a problem, will it?.
About the Instructor—Saturday mornings: Kate Ancell holds an MA in Creative Writing from the University of East Anglia in England, where she studied under former poet laureate Andrew Motion. She has taught writing in preparatory schools and colleges in both England and America. As a journalist, she worked for Conde Nast for many years; her work has appeared in Tatler, Vogue, Brides, Food Illustrated, CS and many local, regional and national magazines and newspapers. Her cookbook, California Sol Food, won a Tabasco Award. She loves being part of the StoryStudio team.
Date/Time:
Mondays, September 20 to November 8; 6:30 to 9:00pm
or
Saturdays, September 25 to November 13; 10:00 am to 12:30pm
Price: Non-Member: $380; Member: $360. Includes reading packet and instructor reviews.