In this course, learners will discover how to develop a well-structured, complete story from concept to execution with confidence and style. Each class will focus on a different aspect of story writing loosely following the schedule below. How strictly we adhere to the schedule will depend on learner progress and understanding. 

Each class will include a topical lecture using audio visual aids, discussion, in class group and individual exercises, and individual sharing. Students will be encouraged to build a story during their 10 weeks in class. This will require at least an hour of time outside of class, but may inspire much more time - writing is an art and students are encouraged to do as much work as they are inspired to do! They will be encouraged to share their story progress with their peers in class.

Minimum requirements: To benefit from this class, students must be able to read and write "at grade level or above," and competently form cohesive sentences.

We will cover:
Week 1 - Why story is important personally, creatively and culturally. 
We will learn how and why story contributes to our understanding of the world and our place in it. We will run through some creative exercises to test our understanding of language and review basic grammar and sentence structure. This class will help orient us to the task that awaits us - writing a story of our very own. 

Week 2 - How we develop good story ideas. 
We will discuss the difference between a concept and a premise and how authors come up with their ideas. We will analyze the premises behind popular stories we all enjoy, and generate compelling story ideas using creative prompts and brainstorming techniques. Over the next week we will each decide on a premise we would like to build on for the rest of the course.

Week 3 - How to structure a story / genre and setting
Learners will encounter the basic elements of fiction and discuss the story building process. We will focus on the elements of genre and setting, their relationship to one another, the limits and conditions they establish for our story, and their importance, role and scope. We will create a setting profile and consider the benefits of mapping our fictitious worlds. Then, we will apply what we have learned to the premise that we developed from last week's class. 

Weeks 4 and 5 - Character
We will take two weeks to address the topic of character as the single most important element of fiction, using a character profile and backstory to design and grow round, dynamic characters that our readers (and we) can relate to and enjoy. The role of archetypes and stereotypes, techniques for creating good characters, character type, purpose, arc and complexity will help us understand how and why character becomes the cornerstone of a great story. We will also use templates to visually design our characters.

Weeks 6 and 7 - Plot
We will take two weeks to cover the second most important element: Plot. Our first week we will discuss plot structure, mapping, it's and its relationship to character. The second week we will focus on flow, pacing, point of view, advancement techniques and hooking the reader. Off hours we will map out our plots using templates provided in class.

Week 8 and 9 - Writing with Style
During these two classes learners will learn how to apply literary devices, narration and dialog; use rich language to express themselves clearly, effectively and precisely; engage the reader; build vocabulary; and, connect emotionally with the reader. We will use in class exercises and visual aids to inspire the imagination and creativity.

Week 10 - Editing and Critique
During this final week we will discuss the importance of critique, objectively analyzing our work and editing. Learners will be invited to share their progress by reading a portion of their story to the class. They can also submit their story for a formal critique within two weeks after the last day of class.