Write Your Story: The Craft of Creative Writing

What will be taught? 

Creative writing! Specifically, I teach students about the craft of creative writing and story development. Students learn and apply literary techniques, plot elements, numerous genres, and more. 

If the student desires, I will teach them how to design, write, finish, and prepare a novel for publication. This includes learning how to find, select, & develop a story idea, and apply literary devices, such as figurative language, setting, and plot structure.  

As an instructor, I bring 20+ years of professional experience working with writers as an editor and teacher. In the 1:1, I play the role of academic instructor, creative writing coach, and story editor. 

What topics will be covered? 
Creative Writing: Story and Character Development, Plot and Story Elements, & Literary Techniques (e.g., foreshadowing, flashbacks, etc.), and more!  

Topics: story vs. plot; plot points; setting; character development; genres; plot structures; theme; figurative language; writing as a profession; publishing options; feedback; creative process; story elements. 

Topic Examples: 
Finding Inspiration: It's everywhere! 
The Story of a Recipe: The Why behind learning about literary devices  
Read, Read, Read: Rules & Recommendations from Popular Writers
Receiving & Discerning Feedback 
Plot vs. Story: What's the big diff?
Genres: Finding your main ingredient  
Creative Writing Tools: Mind-mapping, collage, templates, writing apps, & writers' platforms
Point-of-View: Perspectives & Impact 
Story Structure: Plot, Flashbacks, Foreshadowing, Rising Tension 
Plot Structure: 3 Act & Save the Cat 
Plot Points: Inciting Incident, Turning Points, Climax
Archetypes: Why they're helpful  
The Role of Setting  
Character Development
Character Questionnaires
Theme: What it is and is not
Mood & Tone 
Figurative Language: Symbolism, Personification, Imagery, Hyperbole, & Alliteration  
Story Bibles 
Prologues & Epilogues 
Finding & Using A Mentor Text
Publishing: Agents, Platforms, Self-Publishing, Hybrid Publishing, Contests, and the Big 5 

How is the class time structured? 
60 - 70 minutes 
Check-in: Writer's Progress & Process Update - 5 minutes 
Lesson on Story Elements (a.k.a., literary devices = ELA milestones) - 10 minutes 
Instructor Demonstration - 5 - 10 minutes 
Creative Writing Time - 15 minutes 
Share, Questions, & Instructor Feedback - 15 minutes 
Upcoming Week's Assignment & Goal - 5 minutes
Check-out: Motivators & Inspiration - 5 minutes 

How do I teach? 
With enthusiasm! I instruct, demonstrate, encourage, respond, and review. 
More specifically, I teach using creative writing prompts; I use the whiteboard & screen sharing for in-class demonstrations and feedback; I include slides and other visuals during lessons on literary devices; I reference and share literature and other texts, along with audio and video clips as relevant; I offer online quiz games for review; I introduce and post writing resources on the classroom page, such as plot templates and story generators; I ask questions that encourage students to use their creative & critical thinking skills to improve their stories and understanding of literary/storytelling devices.  

What's my teaching style? 
Encouraging! I believe students learn best when they feel capable, engaged, and comfortable with the instructor. I quickly establish a positive dynamic with students, using my enthusiasm for creative writing and literature, as well as my sense of humor, warm demeanor, and professional listening and coaching skills. During our 1:1 time and through the classroom page, I'll share my experiences as a writer and editor, from attending my first writers' conference in fourth grade to phoning my favorite author in sixth grade, from getting my first publication to my present-day publications & professional roles. 

What previous experience is necessary?  Students should read and write in English well enough to be understood.