Course Description
This introductory creative writing course is designed to acquaint students with the craft of creating writing and the skills that will be required in subsequent creative writing workshops. Students will explore such craft issues as point of view, voice, characterization, dialogue, setting, conflict, rhythm, imagery, poetic structure, and dramatic scene development. Students will be expected to submit a number of writing exercises, including stories and poems. Student will also be expected to read and comment on their peers' writing with thoughtful and constructive criticism, as well as read and discuss published work.
What former students are saying about HCW:
"First of all, HCW taught me the importance of perspective. Writing from a different person or character's point of view was often strange, but it caused my brain to think in a different way. I realized I enjoyed this style of writing because I didn’t have to write as if it was me as the character. Secondly, I enjoyed having to shift between genres of writing. Jumping from horror to historical to even fantasy...I felt like each style allowed me to grow as a writer." (MD 2022)
"This course not only taught me the importance of following your heart and its guidance, but also that there is never a wrong answer in the world of English and writing. I think that may be why I love it so much: I’m never wrong. Of course, I’ve learned the importance of a strong vocab and that I am a comma-happy maniac, but this class has mostly taught me to believe in myself and the dreams I left behind." (MT 2022)"I would urge anyone who finds themselves sad at their loss of love for words to take this class. It has certainly restored my own." (MW 2020)
"In general, the knowledge I will take into the future is endless. From being able to branch out and try new things, to taking criticism well, to double checking everything, this class has taught me several life lessons." (AR 2020)
"By taking this class, I’ve learned to trust myself and my mind more, to be open to new ideas, and to respect other people’s creativity and how they express themselves." (GP 2020)
"My experience during this class motivated me to experiment with different types of writing. It helped me step closer to finding my own unique writing style and the prompts I enjoy writing about. I loved being in control of my writing and write whatever my mind led me to. Not only will the lessons I learned in this course guide me whenever I write a personal or fictional piece, but it will become the basis of any of my future writing as I prepare for college." (LK 2020)
"This class did several things for me. It taught me new editing techniques and methods of improving a paper. It gave me opportunities to work with other people and share our wonderful ideas. The different units allowed me to feel really creative and come up with so many ideas that I love and am proud of. Lastly, it forced me to practice and repeat a skill I wasn’t very good at, so I could look back each time and see my improvements. I had to learn to grow for the class, but also grow for myself. I am grateful for the opportunity; it is certainly one of the most memorable." (HH 2020)
"I took this class because I was seeking the ability to push my creativity to the limits, and that's exactly what I have done...This class encouraged me to be the best writer that I can be." (C.P. 2019)
"I learned a lot about the writing style of my peers, and where they have their strong suits. It was really cool to see other stories, taken in a totally different direction, or with an idea I would not have dreamed of. I loved seeing a new perspective, and I loved getting feedback from someone who writes so differently." (S.S. 2019)
"I genuinely loved this class. I wish it was longer-if my writing developed this much in half a year, I can only imagine what would've come out of a full year." (C.J. 2019)
"I would take this class again and again and again." (Anonymous 2019)
"I was finally able to release the part of me that would rather live in a fantasy-thank you for that opportunity...I absolutely loved the freedom we were given to expand with our individual imaginations. It taught me how to listen to my own ideas for stories." (S.M. 2019)
"The only regret I had after taking this class was not taking it sooner." (Anonymous 2018)
“I enjoyed writing every single piece we did and I got to experiment with different styles of writing…If I could retake this class, I would in a heartbeat. I learned so much and had fun while doing so.” (J.A. 2017)
“With creative writing, there is no right or wrong answer, and that was my favorite part about this class. It was freedom.” (V.K. 2017)
“This class was absolutely amazing! It was completely different from any English class I’ve ever taken before, and I really think it prepared me for college.” (M.B. 2017)
“For me, receiving an assignment with no guidelines that simply said “write,” was terrifying. I was used to strict instructions and harsh guidelines when it came to writing...the lack of rules has become my favorite thing about creative writing. I have been able to write freely, out of my comfort zone, and with no restrictions.” (H.H. 2017)
"I learned a lot about the repetitive mistakes I was making in my writing, and I’m now able to correct them with ease…if there was a full year option for this course, I would definitely take it!” (C.R. 2017)
“This writing class was one of the most interesting I have taken to date. Every time we got a new assignment, I was actually kind of excited to see what it would be…I learned there is no limit to creativity, and any piece of writing can become a quality piece of work through editing.” (C. S. 2017)
