CRW 3110 Spring 2022 Howard

We will study many of the core elements of fictional narratives, such as character development, dialogue, point-of-view, setting, and object. We will focus on the characters’ actions and the consequences of those actions. As we write dialogue, we will consider what characters choose to say and what remains in their interiors. Our textbooks will be Writing Fiction, Tenth Edition: A Guide to Narrative Craft by Janet Burroway and Best American Short Stories 2021 edited by Jesmyn Ward. These books will provide a snapshot of contemporary fiction, and we will assess the craft lessons the writers have provided. Our creative practice will include weekly writing assignments based on prompts, a midterm short story, and a final writing portfolio. We will focus on generating original work and understanding how the revision process can sharpen our ideas.