Introduction to Creative Writing (Even If You're Afraid of Writing)

This class will cover 3 basic rules of writing that make writing less intimidating and will include some lecture, discussion, and interactive projects.

We will talk about how we build up skills through practice and learning. We'll talk about how our idols and heroes in cooking, writing, and sports build their skills over time. We'll also talk using personal passions and experience to engage readers and how rewriting can improve drafts. 

Our class will also cover the basics of the 5-paragraph essay and talk about some reasons why it's a good tool to have in our kit. We'll work on a mock-essay in class and cover the parts and outline so students can better understand how to write their own.

We'll do some short writing exercises in class to deepen learning and we'll have an (optional) essay assignment at at the end for students to practice and show what they've learned.  

This class is good for students who understand basic sentence structure and want (or need) a way to improve their writing for assignments, testing, or personal expression. Students with experience writing 5-paragraph essays may also find the rules for writing and essay outlining helpful, especially if they are reluctant writers or feel feel frustrated by the process. 

Note: We will not focus much on grammar or spelling as we are talking primarily about rough drafts and the process of getting our ideas on the paper (or screen) first. 

Schedule
Introduction activity
3 Rules for Writing (Lecture and Discussion)
Why to Write a 5-Paragraph Essay
Outlining and How to Write a 5-Paragraph Essay
Writing an Essay Together (Group Activity) 
Ways to "Punch-Up" a Basic Essay 
Questions/(Optional) Assignment