Department of English

W381 will focus on the craft of fiction. We will cover the most important components of fiction—structure, characterization, plot, description, dialogue, point of view, voice, setting, and revision—by examining published works and writing assignments that focus your attention on elements of craft. What brings fiction to life? What makes characters compelling or memorable? How might you improve your fiction writing skills? We will read and write literary fiction with a focus on aesthetic quality. What are your literary tastes? Have you discovered or refined them? Can you articulate your methodology or your ideas? This course will rely on discussion to test ideas and gain new perspective.