Students enrolled in this class will learn the basics of crafting a horror setting and building a suspenseful narrative. We will work from prompts during the first two classes to help our new horror writers develop a feel for the genre, developing short scenes and scary protagonists. After that, students will begin work on their own piece of short horror fiction, developing an outline and writing their rough draft during weeks 3-4; class time during those weeks will be spent on thematic lectures and discussion, workshopping any troublesome scenes or plotpoints, and addressing student questions and concerns about their work. Weeks 5-6 will be devoted to sharing their first draft with other classmates, learning to provide and accept constructive feedback, and polishing their draft. Students will end the class with one completed short work of horror fiction. 

This class is not geared towards beginning or reluctant writers. Students enrolled in this class should have experience writing short stories or essays (at least one page) and be able to handle reading and writing frightening fiction at an age appropriate level. An interest in horror is a must, but prior experience writing horror isn't necessary! 

Students should plan to spend at least 1-2 hours of their own time each week working on their short story. 

Learner progress will be evaluated through participation in class activities, completion of assignments, and improvement in individual student work – not in comparison to the work of other students. Final story drafts from the class will range from two to five pages for most students.