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Writing
"Queer" Fiction
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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.
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DESCRIPTION
& ASSIGNMENTS
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Week
1
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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
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Week
2
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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)
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Week
3
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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)
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Week
4
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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)
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Week
5
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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)
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Week
6
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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)
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Week
7
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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)
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Week
8
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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)
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Week
9
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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)
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Week
10
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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)
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Week
11
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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
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Week
12
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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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