HNAR-244: Writing: Investigation+Beyond

Designed for writers and non-writers, this class will offer strategies for writing original stories, game scripts, reports, biographies, art critiques and manifestoes based on personal research and observation. The goal is to escape the anxiety of the blank page and demystify the writing process. We'll do a lot of in-class writing based on personal observation and investigation: characters, conversations, psychology and social schemes. Doing these simple tasks will lead us to ideas for longer writing projects. Together, we'll read two short novels: Vagabond by Colette, and Golden Age by Wang Xiabo. Each person will develop a final writing project of about ten pages that will be discussed, developed and revised during the semester. Students are welcome to take the class once or repeat it if desired. Additional readings will be drawn from books by Honore Balzac, Larissa Pham, Sei Shonogon, and others based on the interests of the group. Pdfs will be provided.