Week 1 - Introduction to the Course

Readings

• Textbook: "Write Moves: A Creative Writing Guide and Anthology"
  • "Why I Write?" (pg. 19)
  • "Practicing Perception" (pg. 25)
  • "Drafting" (pg. 36)
  • "Revision" (pg. 48)
• Online Reading:
  • David Ly’s “Same Ocean” link

Lecture Outline

• What This Course Is
• The Readings in the Course
• The Lectures in the Course
• The Structure of the Course
• Developing as a Writer
• Reading as a Writer
• Starting to Think About Poetry
• To Dos for Week 1

What This Course Is

• Introduction to creative writing covering four genres: poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and script writing.
• Focus on writing practice, grammar, and peer workshops.
• Continuous learning and reinvention as a writer.
• Approach assignments with an open mind.

The Readings in the Course

• Write Moves: Offers writing prompts and tasks.
• The Canadian Writer’s Handbook: Grammar basics.
• Weekly lectures build on readings and provide additional content.
• Additional Readings:
  • Short fiction collection "Her First Palestinian" by Saeed Teebi, including a video visit from the author.

The Lectures in the Course

• Weekly format includes readings, creative writing material, grammar, and to-dos.
• Lectures expand on and modify textbook material and focus on understanding grammar creatively.
• End with actionable to-dos for the week.

The Structure of the Course

• Covers four genres: Poetry, Fiction, Creative Nonfiction, Script Writing.
• Assignments:
  • Assignment 1: Free Verse Poem (10%)
  • Assignment 2: Flash Fiction (15%)
  • Assignment 3: Flash Creative Nonfiction (15%)
  • Assignment 4: Capstone Assignment (40%)
  • Exam: Practical application, 20% of grade.
• Online workshops for peer feedback.

Developing as a Writer

• Personal responsibility for writing development.
• Advice from textbook and lectures; adapt as needed.
• Emphasis on practice over inspiration.
• Timed writing practice recommended.

Reading as a Writer

• Reading is essential for learning to write well.
• Read like a writer, paying attention to techniques and effects.
• Use course lectures as models for attentive reading.

Starting to Think About Poetry

• David Ly’s "Same Ocean":
  • Uses everyday language and conversational tone.
  • Focus on imagery and sensory descriptions.
  • Connection between structure and content.
  • Sound devices enhance musical quality of poetry.
• First assignment: Free verse poem, focus on familiar language and imagery.

To Dos

• Review syllabus and grading rubric.
• Purchase textbooks.
• Read Assignment 1 guidelines: Free Verse Poem.