Fiction 1 Course of Study

Each week a new topic is explored through lecture and writing exercise. The topics covered in this course include:

Introduction to Fiction – The different types and forms of fiction. Where to find inspiration and ideas. The importance of craft.

Character – Where to find characters. Making characters dimensional through desire and contrasts. Creating character profiles. Showing vs. Telling. Methods for showing characters.

Plot – Finding a major dramatic question. Shaping a beginning, middle, and end. The difference between short story and novel plots. Pros and cons of outlining.

Point of View – POV defined. Exploration of the many types of POV.

Description – Using the senses. Specificity. Techniques for creativity. Finding the right words. Merging description with point of view.

Dialogue – The importance of scene. Dialogue’s illusion of reality. Quotation marks and tags. Stage directions. Summarized dialogue. Characterization through dialogue. Subtext. Dialect.

Setting/Pacing – Time. Place. Weather. Description of setting. Merging character and setting. How to manipulate time through pacing. Flashbacks.

Voice – Voice defined. Exploration of the various types of voice. Tips for finding your voice. Understanding style—syntax, diction, and paragraph length.

Theme – Theme defined. Types of theme. Weaving theme into a story.

Revision – Exploration of the various stages of revision.

The Business – Proper format for manuscripts. How to target publishing houses, literary magazines, and agents. Query letters.

Note: Content may vary slightly among individual classes

For more information about registration please call Geri at 801-796-5755 or email us at info@thewritersstudio.info

Registration is the first night of class!

Make registration checks payable to:         The Writer's Studio of Utah

More on Jump Starting Your Writing Career!!!

Do you love to write, but hate the obstacles? Tired of battling with writers block? Then it’s time to jumpstart your writing!

Join studio founders Randy Jernigan and Geri Taylor in a new class designed to tame the demons that get between you and your writing.

This course encompasses all types of writing. It focuses on learning techniques for jumpstarting your writing rather than receiving in-depth critiques. Whether you are just beginning to write or an experienced scribe looking to re-energize, this course will help.

"With an encouraging attitude and inspirational approach, Jernigan and Taylor covers everything writer-wannabes want to know, from finding an agent to finding your voice. The result is a supremely relevant guide to the writing life.

• Generate ideas using innovative writing exercises and techniques
• Learn to turn off the inner critic and write for the fun of it
• Learn to write first drafts with ease without the pull of perfectionism
• Learn to write using limited time
• Learn to get in touch with your own unique voice and let it shine through
• Become comfortable with your writing and stop trying to make it sound like someone else’s writing
• Learn to feel comfortable sharing your work with others
• Explore the writing life, writing as practice, illusions about writing, how to make time to write, honesty in your work, and discipline

Each week students will receive lectures and writing exercises to be lightly commented on by the instructor. Each student will twice turn in a project that the instructor and fellow students will comment on.

This course encompasses all types of writing. It focuses on learning techniques for jumpstarting your writing rather than receiving in-depth critiques.

Other workshops being offered soon!

Novel Writing

Character Development

Children's Book Writing

Jumpstarting Your Writing

(Check back for dates and times.)