Advanced Prose Workshop

Curiosity is the antidote to judgement

"I have not failed 1,000 times.  I have successfully discovered 1,000 ways to NOT make a light bulb. When I have eliminated the ways that will not work, I will find the way that will work."--Thomas Edison (allegedly)

Working writers often face two excruciating questions: How do I start? How do I finish?

Facing, with terror, the blank page, we wonder where to find the form, idea, and language to begin. Facing our complete drafts, we wonder how to bring them in line with those dreams of form, idea, and language which inspired us.

This advanced prose writing workshop will focus on the creative process, from drafting to revision. By the end of the quarter, you should have a short story or personal essay  or set of linked short-short stories or essays as close to completion as you can possibly bring it in just 10 weeks. Along the way, you'll find challenging but playful exercises, and many guided opportunities to explore the revision process.

As this is an advanced writing workshop, be prepared to do a lot of reading and writing. I’ll expect you to approach all of it—your own writing, your classmates’ writing, the work we read—in the spirit of curiosity. Instead of asking “Is this good or bad?” ask “How and where is this interesting? What happens if I make this change? What does the author want to accomplish?”

Getting and Staying In Touch

Please contact me through Canvas or use my UW email address.

When I need to get out touch with you, I will reach out to you through Canvas messages and announcements. Please check those regularly or make sure you have configured your Canvas settings to receive regular updates.

If you want to learn more about me or read some of my writing, check out my website Links to an external site..

If you have any questions, please reach out. I check my email pretty obsessively, but am sometimes busy with other obligations and can't answer right away. I will respond within 24 hours during the week and 48 hours over the weekend. Do not leave questions about assignments to the last minute!

Office Hours

Will be Wednesday afternoons, 2:30-4:30 pm,  Padelford B-431.

If you can't meet then, please contact me and we'll find another time.

Requirements in Brief

General

• An active UW email address and UW Google Drive account. If you need a refresher on how to log in to Google with your UW Net ID, here's a quick video tutorial  Links to an external site.. 
• A good dictionary and thesaurus
• Course reader available at Professional Copy ‘n’ Print, 4200 University Way NE

Writing

• One short story or personal essay draft & three revisions of that story or essay, including a 12-15 page (3000-4500 wd) “final” version OR a collection of linked short-short stories or personal essays & three revisions of all of them, including a 12-15 page (3000-4500 wd) “final” version
• Two short writing exercises
• Written peer reviews of your classmates’ prose.

Grades

Other requirements and information can be found through the links to the left.