Fiction

Fiction I: Introduction to Fiction with Paula Huston

"Learning to Write Fiction"

Much as we love the concept of the natural “born writer” who arrives into the world a fully formed literary genius, writing good fiction has far more to do with disciplined skill-building than it does with simple talent.  If you love reading fiction and are drawn to tell stories of your own, you can learn to write.  This course is designed for people with little or no fiction-writing experience, and teaches the techniques that bring characters and circumstances to life. Since much of what we learn comes through imitation, we’ll read excerpts from contemporary short stories in order to analyze how good writers tackle various technical problems. During our six sessions together, you will learn how to write believable action scenes and realistic dialogue, how to build characters, how to manipulate various points of view, and how to create conflict. 

Fiction II: Intermediate Fiction with Paula Huston

"Developing Your Craft as a Fiction Writer"

Once you have learned the basic skills, becoming a good fiction writer is primarily a matter of practice. This course offers a deeper look at the craft, exploring such techniques as transitioning between scenes and/or eras, developing setting as a character, suspending time, using conflict to develop plot, uncovering and developing theme, and handling endings.  It is designed for people who have taken an introductory course in fiction writing or have written short stories on their own.  During our six sessions together you will compare styles, learn to read stories as a writer rather than simply a reader, and work on a full-length story of your own.

Questions? Call Taylor Olsen at 206.281.2988, or email her at admin@glenonline.org.