Elements Of Fiction: Overview

Fiction Writing I Lisa Lenard-Cook Overview 8 – 2 hours sessions writing & reading assignments each week Week 1 The seeds of story Where does fiction come from? Week 2 Character Good characters drive good stories; great characters drive great ones. Week 3 Situation, story, plot Plot is not a straight line from then to then. Week 4 Background, setting, place, milieu More than where it happens: every place has a feel. Week 5 Voice, speech, dialogue, point of view Whose story is it, and how do they tell it? Week 6 Pacing, time The difference between good fiction and great fiction. Week 7 Beginnings, middles, ends Putting it all where it belongs. Week 8 Style, organic form, final meaning Getting to “wow.” Texts: PEN/O’Henry Awards 2010 (yellow/purple cover) The Mind of Your Story: Discover What Drives Your Fiction