Creative Nonfiction

In this course, we will read short works of nonfiction, analyze published authors' techniques, and practice specific writing skills in a supportive community of our peers. We will learn how to select factual and sensory details to depict setting; sketch the traits and behaviors that bring characters to life on the page, and structure and pace the action to build momentum. We'll also explore how to select the right starting point to build suspense, create surprise, or add humor to your story. Students will practice giving and receiving useful feedback as they read and respond to fellow writers' work with curiosity, neutral questions, and encouragement. With input from your instructor and classmates, you will conduct targeted editing and craft one full revision. Students will complete five projects over 12 weeks and leave this course with the essential tools for authentic storytelling. Time commitment: 2.5-3.5 hours per week (1.5 hours of class time, 1-2 hours of independent work). Course will include 6 sessions over 12 weeks. Course Overview Learning Objectives: Analyze published nonfiction to identify genre elements and key features of successful storytelling Differentiate between showing and telling action through reading diverse texts and revising your writing Give and receive constructive feedback in writing workshop Create nonfiction writing with detail and a specific human perspective About Advanced Enrichment Courses These courses offer above-grade-level material that is presented in a novel context, explored with other advanced learners, and guided by a CTY educator to help prepare students for higher-order thinking and college-style academic challenges. The content in Creative Nonfiction overlaps with the CTY course Crafting the Essay . Students who have already taken Crafting the Essay may wish to consult with an enrollment advisor before selecting this course.