• Write one or two short stories or begin work on a novel
• Lectures on fundamental concepts
• Writing exercises
• Present work for critique

In a clear, accessible manner, the course presents the fundamentals of plot, structure, voice, description, character development, point of view, and dialogue. Lectures and writing exercises are used to illustrate these concepts. You will also have the opportunity to present your work and receive feedback from your instructor and classmates. The goal is to write two short stories or to begin a novel and to acquire a firm understanding of all the basics of fiction writing.

Fiction I is for beginners or anyone who wants to brush up on the fundamentals. Beginners who wish to write novels should take Fiction I before Advanced Novel Writing.

View a course syllabus.

• Write or refine one or two short stories
• Lectures that expand on fundamental concepts
• Writing exercises
• Present work for in-depth critique

The course focuses on the presentation and critique of your work and is designed to help you sharpen your skills. Emphasis is placed on honing each story’s structure, characterization, narrative, description, and style with the aim of creating publishable work.

Advanced Fiction Writing is for writers who have completed Level I or those with fiction-writing experience who are prepared to discuss all of the fundamental concepts of the craft. Writers often repeat Advanced Fiction Writing as they continue to develop projects.

We offer Advanced Fiction for writers working on short stories and Novel Writing II for writers working on novels. You are, however, welcome to work on material in Advanced Fiction that would eventually end up in a novel.

Prerequisite: Fiction Writing I or the equivalent.

View a course syllabus.