Creative Writing Series Bundle (Flexible Schedule Format for Five of My Classes)

This is is a flexible-schedule bundle of five, one-time classes I teach live on Outschool through my Creative Writing Series: The Plot Thickens, Create Break-the-Mold Characters, Make Your World, Dialogue that Works, and I, They, You: The Power of Point of View in Fiction. This class, which does not meet live, would work well for students who need more flexible scheduling, those who prefer written communication over participating in live video streaming, and those who would like to take all five classes in a weekly format. This class also adds a component that is not part of the live classes: Extensive written weekly feedback from the teacher and fellow classmates (as well as instruction on how to give positive, helpful creative-writing feedback). 

A word about feedback and my approach to teaching writing: I encourage students to leave perfectionism at the door. Drafting and creating a story requires different skills and activates a different part of our brain than the revision/editing process. I believe we create our best work when we allow ourselves to feel loose and play on the page. I encourage risk-taking with writing, which, of course, can lead to "failure" (which really isn't "failure" and even if it is, can lead to great next steps). Therefore, we have to be very careful when we offer feedback at this tender stage of our writing process. (This is true for both young and old writers, beginners and professionals.) I am not expecting (or even wanting) students to submit polished writing. They should do the writing exercises in 10 to 20 minutes (it will vary, depending on the week) and submit their draft.

Here's how the class works: Every Sunday by noon Mountain Standard Time I'll post one or more video lessons about that week's topic. Each week, students will be expected to watch the video(s), read any handouts that are provided, complete and post writing exercises, participate in class discussion, and provide feedback on classmates' writing. Students will need to post their writing exercises by Wednesday at noon Mountain Standard Time and to provide feedback to each classmate's writing by the end of Saturday. I'll also be available daily to answer any questions students post to the classroom. This will all happen on our Outschool classroom space.

Although it's possible that students could write an entire short story during this class, that isn't the goal. I want them to play with the exercises offered each week and try the techniques without the pressure of making them work for a single story. Instead, they will end the class having completed a variety of exercises that could lead to many stories. They also will master concepts and learn processes that will help them with all of their future stories.

Here's what we'll do each week:

Week 1: Creating Break-the-Mold Characters—Students will play with stereotypes of pirates or princesses/princes to explore strategies for creating complex, well-rounded, engaging fictional characters. 

Bonus Lesson: Giving and Receiving Feedback—Students will learn why it's so important to get feedback on our writing, and how to provide effective, positive feedback to their peers. They'll also learn how to receive feedback from the teacher and their peers. (Hint: Take it in, sit with it, use what's helpful, leave the rest. They are the boss of their stories!) The process we'll use will require students to identify two or three specific things they enjoyed about the writing (a great line, strong nouns and verbs, the concept, etc) and one or two specific questions they have or ideas for making it even better. (I don't understand why the character wanted the doll. Maybe you could add more sensory details?)

Week 2: The Plot Thickens—Students will learn how to plot fictional stories and will create a plan for an entire story. They'll learn what needs to happen in the beginning, middle and end of their stories and, generally, what percentage of the story they should make each part.

Week 3: I, They, You: The Power of Point of View in Fiction—This week we bust some popular writing myths and explore a variety of narrative techniques, including the pros and cons of telling stories in first-, second- and third-person.

Week 4: Make Your World—This class focuses on setting—where and when a story takes place. The setting isn't just a chance to write lovely description. Setting works hard, contributing to character development, plot, and mood. Although historic fiction writers re-create the past, and fantasy and science fiction writers create entire worlds, setting is just as important for stories set in today's world. 

Week 5: Dialogue that Works—Students will learn how good dialogue differs from the way people really speak, how to write effective dialogue—including using subtext—and how to avoid common dialogue pitfalls like the "As you know, Bob." Students also will learn the three ways dialogue contributes to good stories.