CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOPS

INTRODUCTION TO CREATIVE WRITING

INSTRUCTOR: C. Adán Cabrera

HYBRID COURSE: ONLINE/IN-PERSON (eight 2-hour sessions)
October 12-November 30, 2021

Students enrolled in this online eight-week introduction to creative writing will briefly review the craft of writing in the three major genres (poetry, fiction, and nonfiction) as well as study mixed-genre work. The major emphasis will be on student writing, but students will also be encouraged to explore their own creative process and progress by way of select readings, writing exercises and in-depth discussions. Students will learn how to talk about writing, sharpen their craft, practice active reading, and produce and workshop at least two full-length pieces in whatever genre(s) they choose. Moreover, students will also have the opportunity to publicly present their work at a special COLLAGE reading at the course’s conclusion. This two-hour hybrid workshop is geared toward anyone who is exploring creative writing for the first time or for writers looking to get back in touch with their creative side. No previous writing experience is required.

ADVANCED CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOP

INSTRUCTOR: C. Adán Cabrera

HYBRID COURSE: ONLINE/IN-PERSON (eight 2-hour sessions)
October 13-December 1, 2021

Required textbook: Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri

Students enrolled in this eight-week online course will learn (or review) the basics of a traditional creative writing workshop. This includes producing a piece of writing on a weekly basis which will be shared with the other workshop participants, who will then provide a thoughtful, written response with helpful feedback for the writer. In addition, participants will be assigned short readings to supplement their learning and be given short, tailored craft lessons (e.g. dialogue, plot, pacing, characterization, etc.) to improve their writing in preparation for publication. Moreover, students will also have the opportunity to publicly present their work at a special COLLAGE online reading at the course’s conclusion. This two-hour hybrid workshop is designed for anyone who may have a limited literary background or writing experience or for more established writers seeking to get feedback on their work and join a vibrant writing community. For the most successful experience, previous writing experience is not required, but recommended.

INDIVIDUAL MANUSCRIPT CONSULTATION

INSTRUCTOR: C. Adán Cabrera

ONLINE/IN-PERSON (eight 90-minute individual sessions)
starting October 14

This online course is designed for fiction or nonfiction writers with a manuscript in progress. The writer will send the entire manuscript to the instructor before the course begins. The instructor will then thoroughly critique the manuscript, identify strengths as well as areas to consider for improvement and revision. This critique will be supplemented with craft exercises and readings specific to each student to work toward publication of the full-length work. Students will also have the opportunity to publicly present their work at a special COLLAGE online reading at the course’s conclusion. These 90-minute online manuscript consultations are designed for more established writers seeking to get feedback on their work and join a vibrant writing community. A working manuscript is required to enroll in this course. Please contact the instructor for more information.