Writing Courses

I offer two fiction-writing correspondence courses through Extended Education at Western Washington University. These are 5-credit courses accredited for the English major, but may be taken noncredit by anyone (not necessary to be enrolled at WWU).

INTRODUCTION TO FICTION WRITING


(English 351)  Concentration on the short story

I will guide you toward finding your unique storytelling voice as you gain proficiency in the basic skills of fiction-writing, including scene-setting, character development, plot building, dialogue, narration, and action description.

Using Janet Burroway's text, Writing Fiction, 6th edition, you will read as a writer and analyze author techniques to apply to your own short exercises and complete short story.

Revision as "re-vision" is essential to the process.

ADVANCED FICTION WRITING


(English 451)  Concentration on the short story

Assuming you have some experience under your belt, we can explore some of the more sophisticated and exciting nuances of writing and reading. You may want to challenge yourself to try new approaches in your storytelling.

We will address theme and intent of stories, as well as delving deeper into the potentials of characterization, Point-of-View, "emotional" versus linear plotting, dialogue, and researched setting.

Text: Deepening Fiction by Sarah Stone and Ron Nyren

For further information and registration, contact:

Independent Learning/Extended Education
Western Washington University
ilearn@wwu.edu
360-650-3650
www.acadweb.wwu.edu/eesp
Or email me with any questions.


Sara Stamey
  • - M.A., English & Writing, Western Washington University
  • - Professional novelist
  • - WWU creative-writing instructor
  • - Member:
  •   * Authors Guild
  •   * Northwest Independent Editors Guild
  •   * SF/F Writers of America
  •   * Whatcom Communications Association