Syllabus

Writing "Queer" Fiction

 
INTRODUCTION: This 12-week course is designed for fiction writers who are working with unusual, odd, gender-bending, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or generally "queer" content, characters, and themes. Regardless of your personal sexual orientation, if you write about "queer" topics you may hit roadblocks that those who write straight/mainstream fiction do not. This class is a safe place for your writing to "come out" in a supportive atmosphere of inquiry and experimentation.

We'll discuss various aspects of the history of "queer" writing in both literature and popular fiction. Using stories that Lori will provide, we'll look at some of the work of master writers and examine issues of style, tone, voice, perspective, and audience. Using in-class writing exercises, discussion of student manuscripts, and lectures, you will be inspired and motivated to continue and/or jump-start your work. We'll read students' work and apply what we learn about technique and craft. Along the way, we'll also discuss barriers unique to writers of "queer" fiction and the politics and difficulties inherent in writing work in this vein. We'll also have master writers come to visit us and speak about important writing issues.

Class time will be divided between presentation or lecture (20%), reviewing master writers (15%), writing exercises (15%), and sharing of student writing (50%). Short exercises may spur new writing and new projects, but much of the writing may be geared toward continuing and/or completing writing projects already underway.
DESCRIPTION & ASSIGNMENTS
Week 1

Introductions - Discussion of who we are, why we write, and what audience we want to reach. Provide general outline of class with detailed syllabus to follow next week. Housekeeping issues
Brief comments about the goals of the course: to read, write, and analyze in order to help us learn effective technique; introverts v. extroverts; diversity; seeing and understanding the path successful authors have taken before us; critiquing and cooperating (not competing) with fellow students; and above all, writing and completing major projects
In-Class Exercise: Index Card Hopes & Fears
In-Class Reading: "Journeys" by Barbara Kingsolver
First night Inventory completed
Brainstorming on Lecture subjects the students want to hear
Determine volunteers for the first round of critiques which begin in Week 2 or 3 and set up a schedule

Assignments for next week:
Go out to Lori's website (http://www.LoriLLake.com/loft) and look at pages there


Week 2

Writing Exercise to start off class
Manuscript Work - 1 slot
Discussion: Structure - Lit Fic v. Pop/Genre, Basic Novel, Mystery, Heroic Quest, Memoir

Assignments for next week:
Review the Handout about Plot
Read and critique classmate manuscript(s)


Week 3
Writing Exercise to start off class
Manuscript work - 2 slots
Discuss: Structure - Part II, Leading into Plot

Assignments for next week:
Read: Master Writer Story Handout
Read and critique classmate manuscript(s)


Week 4
Manuscript work - 1 slot
Discuss: The Handout Story
SPEAKER: Pat Dennis 6:00 - 7:00

Assignments for next week:
Review the Handout about Character Building
Read and critique classmate manuscript(s)


Week 5
Writing Exercise to start off class
Discuss: Humor and Pain, Leading into Character Building
Manuscript work - 2 slots

Assignments for next week:
Review the Handout about POV
Read and critique classmate manuscript(s)


Week 6


Brief In-Class Written Inventory re: whether class is meeting student needs
Manuscript work - 2 slots
Discuss: POV and Head-Hopping

Assignments for next week:
Read: Master Writer Story Handout
Read and critique classmate manuscript(s)


Week 7

SPEAKER: Elizabeth Jarrett Andrew 5:00-6:00
Manuscript work - 1 slot
Discuss: The Handout Story and Memoir, Memory, the Personal in your writing

Assignments for next week:
Read and critique classmate manuscript(s)


Week 8
Writing Exercise to start off class
Manuscript work - 2 slots
Discuss: Writing challenges, blocks, and pushing forward on a project

Assignments for next week:
Read and critique classmate manuscript(s)


Week 9
Writing Exercise to start off class
Manuscript work - 2 slots
Discuss: Grab Bag Discussion to catch up on leftover topics

Assignments for next week:
Review the Handout about Narrative
Read and critique classmate manuscript(s)


Week 10
Writing Exercise to start off class
Manuscript work - 2 slots
Discuss: Narrative Handout and Pacing, Flow, Rhythm, Interspersing Exposition/Dialogue

Assignments for next week:
Read and critique classmate manuscript(s)


Week 11
Manuscript work - 2 slots
Discuss: Grammar/usage, global editing, revisions, the various forms of "editing," preparing manuscripts for submission
Plan for final week-students indicate final questions to be covered in the last class

Assignments for next week:
Read and critique classmate manuscript(s)
Bring snacks for the last class if you like


Week 12

Manuscript work - 2 slots
Discussion of ways to continue learning craft and technique on one's own -- and in concert with others (in person or via the internet)
Discuss the publication process, audience, taboos, etc. and answer questions
Closure for this part of the journey and Godspeed for the next


 
 
 
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