The Art and Craft of Creative Writing

Creative writing begins when the spark of an idea ignites the fuel of language. The writer picks up a pen or presses fingers to the keyboard and begins to transform an idea into a story or a poem, an essay or novel, or any of a dozen other shapes. For those who would like to travel the road of creative writing, this class offers a map for the journey. Through the exploration of a wide variety of writing forms and styles, you will discover and develop a stronger sense of yourself as a writer. According to Ernest Hemingway, “The only kind of writing is rewriting,” and in this class you will have ample opportunities to practice and hone your writing skills through weekly assignments and read and critique exercises. This course is designed for both beginning and aspiring writers, and upon completion you will have formed established writing habits and gained a clear idea of the writing and revision process. The Art and Craft of Creative Writing class will give you the resources you need to move toward your short- and long-term writing goals. It provides an excellent opportunity for writers of all abilities, and from all genres, to practice their writing, and to acquire a deeper understanding of the true art and craft of creative writing.

What you will learn:

• Establish a writing habit.
• Develop a toolkit of writing exercises.
• Explore various writing forms and styles.
• Practice writing and revising.
• Create a sense of yourself as a writer, including both your short and long-term writing goals.

Quarters Offered: Winter, Summer | 10 Weeks | Online
Prerequisite: None
Note: Fulfills 3 units towards requirements for the Creative Writing Certificate. Non-certificate students may take this class.