About the Course
Imaginative writing is a powerful tool,one that allows us to create worlds, spark emotions, and inspire new ways of thinking. As writers, our words can make someone laugh, shift their perspective, or bring a moment to life in just a page, a paragraph, or even a single line. In this course, we'll explore the art of creative expression by examining the techniques that authors use to craft engaging and memorable writing. Through short stories, essays, and poems, we'll discover how carefully chosen words and stylistic choices shape a reader's experience. Students will take part in peer-led writing workshops, experiment with different writing styles, and develop techniques for brainstorming and refining their own imaginative work. If you love bringing characters to life, painting vivid scenes, or crafting lyrical prose, this course will encourage you to take your creativity to the next level and find your unique voice.
The content in Writing and Imagination overlaps with the CTY course Imagination Workshop. Students who have already taken Imagination Workshop may wish to consult with an enrollment advisor before enrolling in this course.
Learning Objectives
- Read, discuss, reflect upon, and write about the work of popular, accomplished authors and the tools and strategies they use in their writing
- Brainstorm imaginative ideas and convey them effectively in original, creative, short stories, poems, and essays
- Draft and revise a structured story that includes key narrative elements
- Write poetry that demonstrates consideration of form and structure, includes elements of figurative language, and employs thoughtful word choice
- Write an experiential essay, reflecting upon their own experiences as a writer
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. Students work individually and may finish the course early if they complete all requirements before the course end date.
Requirements
CTY courses have grade-level requirements and most require minimum test scores. Some courses may also have prerequisites.
Identification DetailsDates and Tuition
Online
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Days: Every Tue for 6 weeks
Times: 12 - 1:30 p.m. (Eastern time)
Register by: June 8, 2026
Full Waitlist Available
Time Commitment:
Important Information
Please acquire all course materials by the course start date, unless noted as perishable. Items marked as “perishable” should not be acquired until the student needs them in the course. If you have questions about these materials or difficulty locating them, please contact [email protected].
Families will be notified by email of any required materials one week prior to the course start date.
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 6 weeks.
All online course times are Eastern time.
Technical Requirements
This course requires a computer with high-speed Internet access and an up-to-date web browser such as Chrome or Firefox. You must be able to communicate with the instructor via email. Visit the Technical Requirements and Support page for more details.
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Days: Every Tue for 6 weeks
Times: 7 - 8:30 p.m. (Eastern time)
Register by: September 15, 2026
Time Commitment:
Important Information
Please acquire all course materials by the course start date, unless noted as perishable. Items marked as “perishable” should not be acquired until the student needs them in the course. If you have questions about these materials or difficulty locating them, please contact [email protected].
Families will be notified by email of any required materials one week prior to the course start date.
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 6 weeks.
All online course times are Eastern time.
Technical Requirements
This course requires a computer with high-speed Internet access and an up-to-date web browser such as Chrome or Firefox. You must be able to communicate with the instructor via email. Visit the Technical Requirements and Support page for more details.
Registration Fee and Financial Aid
Tuition and fees will be waived or reduced for students who qualify for financial aid.
Learn more about Financial Aid