“In fiction, there are no limits to how far we can push our characters and the worlds where they reside,” says instructor Ann Guy. “This freedom allows us to explore every facet of experience, past, present, or future, on or off the planet. Where will your imagination take you?”
In this 5-week class, we’ll learn how to create vivid characters, build immersive settings, and develop engaging fictional worlds. We’ll read and discuss captivating fiction by writers such as Ocean Vuong, Cormac McCarthy, and Madeline ffitch, with an eye for how they employ craft techniques like character development, setting, imagery, and scene. To put our discoveries into practice, we’ll do prompt-driven writing exercises during class.
“Optional out-of-class assignments will help you keep your creative momentum thriving between classes,” says Ann. “There will also be opportunities to share your writing with the group and to receive light, supportive feedback.”
By the end of 5 weeks, you'll be equipped with a deeper understanding of the craft essentials for compelling fiction and how to use both your logic and imagination to conjure fictional worlds. You’ll walk away with a collection of fresh story ideas and fledgling drafts.
About The Writing Salon's In-Person Classes
Before your class meets, you'll receive an email from The Writing Salon with more information about your class. If you have any questions about in-person learning, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at hello@writingsalons.com.
Ann Guy is a writer and recovering engineer who was born in the Philippines, grew up among the cornfields and cow patties of Western Michigan, and now lives in Oakland, California with her husband and two kids. She writes fiction and creative nonfiction, and her work has been featured in Riverteeth, Hippocampus, CRAFT Literary, Southeast Review, Sweet Lit, Entropy, MUTHA, Ekphrastic Review, Literary Mama, and Motherwell. A graduate of MIT, UC Berkeley, and San Francisco State University, her favorite spaces are learning environments. She has taught creative writing classes at San Francisco State University and private workshops in the East Bay.
- Wednesday, April 15, 6:30pm-9:00pm
- Wednesday, April 22, 6:30pm-9:00pm
- Wednesday, April 29, 6:30pm-9:00pm
- Wednesday, May 06, 6:30pm-9:00pm
- Wednesday, May 13, 6:30pm-9:00pm
I was inspired to write inside and outside of class! That was thanks to the great prompts in class and the readings shared to teach craft elements, among other things.
I love Ann's teaching style. She is confident in her knowledge yet totally approachable, and a clear communicator.