Finding Your Voice
Finding Your Voice
Explore the basics of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry in this introductory course for beginning writers searching for their unique voice.
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What you can learn.
About This Course
You've lived, listened, seen, had a childhood--there's your raw material. Now it's a question of channeling and shaping that experience with the tools of literary craft. In this beginner's course, you explore the basics of the three major genres--fiction, nonfiction and poetry--reading and practicing within those areas of expression to help you find the modes that best fit your story and your voice. Each week you turn in short writing assignments that help you get your feet wet with craft aspects like description, character, dialogue, etc. These assignments culminate in a finished short story, essay, or poem that you present on the last day of class to a supportive workshop.
Summer 2026 Schedule
Enrollment limited to 15 students; early enrollment advised. Visitors not permitted. Internet access required.
This online course is conducted through Canvas, a secure website that allows students to log in to access lectures, discussions, and other course materials on demand. There are no required live class meetings. Each course is structured with weekly assignments and deadlines. Lectures and coursework are accessible throughout the week. Workshops are conducted in writing via discussion boards with your instructor and classmates.