Event—Adult Education

Beginning Fiction Writing

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Explore the backbone of story: character, plot, and landscape.

Woman and child writing at a table

Class Description

In this class, we will explore the backbone of story: character, plot, and landscape. We will read and discuss classic and contemporary short fiction, try out techniques in writing exercises in class and at home, and complete a first draft of a short story. We will also practice providing and considering constructive feedback in a supportive environment.

Authors we will read and learn from include Mavis Gallant, James Baldwin, Jhumpa Lahiri, Shirley Jackson, and Lesley Nneka Arimah, among others.

Anca L. Szilágyi is the author of the novel Daughters of the Air, which Shelf Awareness called “a striking debut from a writer to watch.” Dreams Under Glass, her second novel, was released in September 2022. Szilágyi has taught creative writing since 2010.

Materials List

Required:

  • Digital Course Packet

First Reading:

  • No first reading assignment

Cost and Registration

This class is full, but you can still register for the waitlist on Learning Stream.

Six sessions, $255 ($230 for Newberry members, seniors, and students). Learn about becoming a member.

To register multiple people for this class, please go through the course calendar in Learning Stream, our registration platform. When you select the course and register, you’ll be prompted to add another registrant.

Register for Waitlist

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