Fiction I

Wednesdays, September 22 to November 10

 This eight-session course provides a strong foundation of storytelling craft, including character development, scene building, plot development, dialogue, and language. It’s a great place to start for those ready to start telling stories.

The focus is on building skills to tell a better story, as well as laying the groundwork for intermediate craft and workshop classes in 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”LI>lively class discussions
  • student workshopping

In the workshop component of the class, you’ll share your work and receive critical feedback 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 Creative Writing I? 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. However, if you know your focus is writing fiction, then we recommend taking this Fiction I class.

Writer’s Roadmap
This is an excellent introductory course for writers interested in fiction. After completing Fiction I, writers should consider the Craft of Novel Writing or the Craft of the Short Story (coming in the Spring). You may even be interested in generating material in the Story Workout class.

About the Instructor: Baird Harper’s fiction has appeared or is forthcoming in Tin House, Mid-American Review, CutBank, and Best New American Voices among others. He holds an M.A. in English from the University of Montana and an M.F.A in Writing from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. He is currently at work on a short story collection and a novel.


Date/Time: Wednesdays, September 22 to November 10; 6:30pm-9:00pm.

Price: Non-member: $380; Member: $360. Includes course packet and instructor reviews.