Literature & Writing
Everything you need to know to go from great manuscript to published work! Discover how to position your book in the marketplace. Learn about different types and sizes of publishers and which one is right for your book. Discover how to find and vet publishers, write a query letter, send a submission package, and navigate the process from the initial “comfort conversation,” to signed contract, draft delivery, the long conga-line of editorial revisions, proofs, ARCs, and at last, your release date! Instructor: Julie Castillo.
A solid introduction to the genres, forms, and elements of fiction with an emphasis on writing for the commercial marketplace. Students will learn character, conflict, arc, plot, three-act structure, beats, scenes, setting, dialogue, and more. Students will write a short story for group critique. Instructor: Julie Castillo. No class Nov 25.
Join our study of American short stories through the years! We’ll examine how America’s earliest writers wrestled with the young country’s identity, analyze stories from the frontier years, and discover voices that helped to hone the rugged individualism of our national character. In addition, we’ll examine stories that wrestle with freedom and oppression, classism and conformity, and community and isolation. As we analyze elements of craft, we will explore how these stories remain relevant in our modern lives. Beginning with Washington Irving, whose short stories became our country’s first bestselling literature, we will engage with stories through the eras and into the 21st century. Instructor: Ann Stephenson
In this course we’ll read and discuss 12 pieces of short fiction drawn from the BASS 2026 collection. These stories reflect a great variety of styles and subjects. Course meets alternate weeks. Instructor: George Clack
In this course we’ll read and discuss 12 pieces of short fiction drawn from the BASS 2026 collection. These stories reflect a great variety of styles and subjects. Course meets alternate weeks. Instructor: George Clack
Discover the power of personal storytelling. Through guided writing exercises and supportive discussion, students will learn to shape life experiences into compelling narratives while exploring memoir, essays, blogs, and family histories. No writing experience is required, only a story you’re ready to tell. Instructor: Whitney West.
Everything you need to know to go from great manuscript to published work! Discover how to position your book in the marketplace. Learn about different types and sizes of publishers and which one is right for your book. Discover how to find and vet publishers, write a query letter, send a submission package, and navigate the process from the initial “comfort conversation,” to signed contract, draft delivery, the long conga-line of editorial revisions, proofs, ARCs, and at last, your release date! Instructor: Julie Castillo. No class Mar 24.
Whatever stage your novel is in, this class will help you take it to the next level! Come with a spark of an idea: we’ll help get you to an outline. Bring an outline, we’ll guide you in finishing a draft. Got a draft? We’ll provide feedback as you revise, edit, and polish. If your novel is fizzling, bring it in and we’ll find out what’s needed to restore it to vigor! Instructor: Julie Castillo.
A solid introduction to the genres, forms, and elements of fiction with an emphasis on writing for the commercial marketplace. Students will learn character, conflict, arc, plot, three-act structure, beats, scenes, setting, dialogue, and more. Students will write a short story for group critique. Instructor: Julie Castillo