Is constructing a short story collection like making an album or assembling a puzzle? In this creative writing workshop, we’ll explore the process of building a cohesive collection, examining how individual stories can stand alone while contributing to a greater whole. We will consider which story should open the collection, which should be the send off, and what type of stories should occupy the middle by drawing inspiration from excerpts of collections from writers like Pemi Aguda and Carmen Maria Machado. Through discussions on links like character, setting, and theme, we’ll analyze what makes collections feel satisfyingly unified. You’ll develop a plan for your collection, identifying thematic connections, story order, and published works to use as models. You will complete five stories over the semester and workshop two of them with peers. At the end of the semester, you will submit an excerpt of your collection-in-progress. Whether starting fresh or you have a couple of existing stories from previous workshops languishing in a drawer, join this workshop to transform them into a cohesive, memorable collection.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 15

Prerequisites: None.

Distribution Requirements: LL - Language and Literature

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall

Notes: Mandatory Credit/Non Credit.