This class is for any student interested in writing fiction or learning what goes into a story, whether or not they’ve ever taken a creative writing class or even written a story.

Students will learn essential craft skills that create a complete, satisfying, and compelling story. They will also be introduced to a wide variety of different kinds of authors from all over the world, both contemporary and classic. Through the study of literature as craftsmanship, students will both discover a new appreciation for the art of storytelling and become empowered to write their own stories. 

Each session, students will learn about a new concept in writing fiction, then, as a class, will read a flash fiction piece that exemplifies the concept. Students will discuss how the craft element is used in the story, how modifying the element would change the story, and the author’s intent behind deploying the skill. Then, students will have independent writing time wherein they may choose to write a new story, work on an existing one, or practice the lesson’s skill focus with a writing exercise.

Here is the schedule, subject to change:

Week 1: What is Flash Fiction?
Week 2: Character development
Week 3: Point of View
Week 4: Conflict
Week 5: Setting
Week 6: Description
Week 7: Dialogue
Week 8: Plot
Week 9: Pacing
Week 10: Suspense
Week 11: Theme
Week 12: Symbolism
Week 13: Style
Week 14: Revision