Pre-College: Foundations of Creative Writing Grades 9-12

Foundations of Creative Writing is a 3-day beginner class that explores the fundamentals of creative writing through close reading and discussion of short literary excerpts. Students will work collaboratively to identify key techniques used in these texts and begin building their own writer’s toolkit, which they will put into practice through guided free-writing and brainstorming sessions. From this material, students will select an idea to expand into a short piece of fiction using the tools introduced in the workshop. All drafts will be workshopped through structured peer feedback, giving students insight into revision and collaboration. By the end of the workshop, students will leave with a basic understanding of the creative writing process, a writer’s toolkit they can use in the future, and a drafted, peer-reviewed story. The instructor will also incorporate lecture and demonstrations. Expect to have guidance from the instructor and some creative freedom. There will be some critique; expect to be challenged to refine your skills and techniques.