Exploring Creative Writing
Get an overview of common forms and genres of written self-expression, including personal essay/memoir, poetry, short fiction and novel. You experiment and discover in a safe environment. The course curriculum helps you learn and practice a variety of genres, forms and styles toward further developing your skills as a creative writer. In class assignments, you focus on the shorter forms to maximize the number of genres in which you can experiment.
Please note: this class is taught only in the classroom on campus, and is not offered on line by Clive Matson.
Course Objectives
- Share a structural overview of several different forms of written self-expression, and write in each of those forms
- Develop the discipline of regular writing in order to understand the importance of revision and develop your ability to revise
- Apply feedback on your work and assess your own strengths and areas of interest
- Offer constructive advice on the work of others
What You Learn
- Personal essay
- Voice and humor
- Poetry craft
- Short story craft
- Novel synopsis
- Beginning a Long Form (novel, memoir, poetry collection)
- Revision
- On being a writer
How You Learn
- Discussion assignments
- Written assignments, including essays, poems, short stories, novel synopsis and long form opening
- Reading assignments
Next session - Begins February 2020
6:30PM - 9:30PM
Cost: $640
Course #: UC Berkeley Extension English X438-Section 023
Location: Either Berkeley or San Francisco Campus
Required textbook for the class: Let the Crazy Child Write!
For more information, please use the contact form below.
"Exploring Your Creative Writing Potential" was a remarkable experience. Over the summer I watched the group of us - beginning writers to experienced, ages ranging from early twenties through mid-seventies - transform in confidence, creativity, and authentic expression. Clive's technique of identifying writers' strengths and building on them created an environment of trust and enthusiasm that nourished us all. It was an experience that will enrich my writing for life." - Sally Bolger, 2012