Course Essentials

Readings from and writing in creative or literary nonfiction, including the personal essay, biography, travel writing, the research essay, and the nonfictional novel. Attention to the history and development of the genre and its subdivisions and to the markets for its manuscripts.

This course will introduce you to a wide range of nonfiction styles and prepare you to analyze, emulate, and create your own texts. Part discussion group, part creative writing workshop, this course aims to create a supportive writing community which will serve as the foundation for your future writing life. Additionally, you will learn the basics of the publishing industry in order to prepare for publication.

You can purchase our texts at the KSU Bookstore Shop or follow the links below for ISBN info if you'd like to search elsewhere. (Don't forget to check the KSU Library if you prefer to check out a book.)

• Steering the Craft by Ursula K. Le Guin (recommended)

• The Situation and the Story by Vivian Gornick (required)

• The Best American Essays 2019 (required)

• In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado (required)

• In Cold Blood by Truman Capote (required)

• The Kingdom by Emmanuel Carrère (required)

We will meet for synchronous classes on Thursdays from 6:30 - 9:15 on Zoom (info below). Read the Course Requirements and keep up-to-date on the Calendar (updated regularly) for info on assignment due dates and other requirements.