Creative Writing: Introduction

Course Introduction and Structure

  • Quick Q&A at the beginning of class.
  • Assignments and grading are detailed on Canvas.
  • Students retain rights to stories written for the class and are welcome to submit them for publication after the class is over.
  • Discussions will include creative writing examples from various media.

Assignments and Expectations

  • Three major assignments: short fiction, poetry, memoir/personal essay, screenplays, stage plays, graphic forms, and songs.
  • All assignments require a handwritten draft AND a final typed version.
  • Assignments should include disclaimers addressing potentially difficult content of material and context statement.
  • Students must include a statement of authorship for assignments.

How to Succeed in Forward 200

  • Attend live sessions or watch videos.
  • Listen actively and question the material.
  • Participate in activities and exercises.
  • Engage in discussions.
  • Complete all assignments and quizzes.

Assignment Details

  • Short Fiction: Approximately 1,250 words; first assignment.
    • Submit a handwritten draft and a final typed version.
  • Second Assignment (Choice): Short fiction, poetry, memoir/personal essay.
  • Third Assignment (Choice): Short fiction, poetry, memoir/personal essay, screenplay, stage play, comic, song.
  • Requirement: Students must write in at least two different genres.

Disclaimers and Content

  • Disclaimers are required for all stories, to provide context and intentions, not for trigger warnings.
  • Example Disclaimer: "This piece deals with a traumatic event… It is my intention… This is in no way drawn from my own life… nor do I in any way condone this kind of behavior."

Grading and Assessment

  • The course aims to mitigate subjectivity in grading creative writing.
  • Assignments are rotated among TAs for grading.
  • Students can discuss grades with TAs and request regrades if needed.
  • Participation exercises are graded on completion, not quality.

Defining Creative Writing

  • Creative writing involves making the audience feel something they are not actually experiencing.
  • It utilizes a process of empathy.
  • Creative writing is distinct from literary analysis, scientific papers, technical writing, and other forms of non-fiction.

Common Misconceptions About Writing

  • Writing is an innate talent and not a practical skill.
  • Writing's worth is not as worthy as science.

Genre vs. Literature

  • Literature is not a specific genre but rather well-written stories of any genre.
  • Genre writing (fantasy, science fiction, etc.) should not be considered below “literature.”

Application of Writing and Storytelling

  • Storytelling is a significant part of daily conversation.
  • Stories are central to entertainment.
  • Writing is essential for convincing arguments.

Unconscious Storytelling

  • We are so built around stories that we cannot stop telling stories.

HyderSimmel Demonstration

  • We as humans cannot see shapes and circles moving around without telling a story.
  • For today's participation exercise, students are to write the story that they observed in the HyderSimmel demonstration.