Creative Writing

You will prepare a work of imaginative writing and submit the work in a timely fashion, as scheduled for examination by your peers in a workshop.

You will pick up photocopies of work that has been turned in for workshop to
critique--and in a timely manner. The copies need to be read before class.

You will read and annotate (as much or as little as you feel necessary) the photocopies in a constructive manner. Be positive with negative criticism. The best criticism is a balance of negative and positive comments--delivered effectively, with reasoning.

You will be prepared to share your comments constructively with the author in class.

You will submit to me a numbered (without your name) index card for each work you examine--with at least one written sentence of constructive criticism. Indicate the author of the work, and the title (if any). I will give these to the appropriate writer after recording your out of class participation.

You will polish your work after workshop and submit a writing portfolio at the end of the semester. The portfolio should contain the original work and the revision--the final draft. Although, writers of longer works may submit revisions only of these works--and not drafts--if desired upon approval by the professor.

Some of the imaginative work will stem from assignments given in class, but the majority of the work will be up to the writers inspiration. We will examine various types of writing--forms and genres.

Grading will be somewhat subjective. I am open to conferences by appointment and just before or after this class. Attendance and class participation are of utmost importance. You must come to class regularly and you must come prepared. Your grade will be based upon your portfolio and your participation in class--even if you get published by Poetry or in the Atlantic Monthly this semester. Good luck, and you would deserve much credit, but this would not guarantee you an A in this class. You must turn in and pick up work in a timely fashion for constructive criticism to occur. Anything aside from constructive criticism will not be tolerated in this workshop. However, we must be prepared for the occasional off the wall comment or question. If someone asks you something you do not want to answer, just decline to answer. If someone makes a comment you feel is inappropriate, say so. How will anyone know otherwise. I will try to steer the class away from meandering dialogues with no connection to the work at hand.

Our first week: Introductions to each other and the course.
                Handouts (pick up a packet)
                Index cards (fill one out for me tonight)
                General creative writing discussion
                Workshop process--expectations, etc.
                Portfolio/Conference questions
                Assignment--When and where to turn in your work

A Detailed weekly schedule should be given next week.