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F2K

F2K Syllabus

F2K: An Introduction to Creative Writing is a 6-week course. There are three objectives: 

• To help beginning writers learn the basic terminology of fiction writing (a good refresher for experienced writers too). Writers will also find the elements of fiction useful in non-fiction or poetry.
• To encourage writers to habitually write without fear.
• To give writers a chance to meet and develop friendships with writers from around the world.

Are you a writer? If you are reading this with the intent of taking this course, then you are a writer.

Things you will need for the class:   

• Eric Maisel's The Creativity Book:  A Year's Worth  of Inspiration and Guidance (recommended but not required).
• A loose-leaf binder to keep copies of all assignments, notes and your work.  
• An e-mail address.  
• A  browser. I recommend the current version of Netscape or Microsoft Internet Explorer. They are both available for free downloads.  
• If you want to participate in the weekly chats, your browser must be equipped with Java. Recent versions of  Netscape or Microsoft Internet Explorer are equipped with Java. 

VERY IMPORTANT: In the past, I have tried to help students with technical problems related to their computers or the internet. I can't do this anymore without sacrificing the quality of this course.  There is a good side to having such a large online class; there are many students who know more than I do about computers, and I have yet to run into a computer whiz who wasn't willing to help someone out. So, I am putting a bulletin board up called Cafe F2K. This is where you may post questions about the internet and computers in general. I ask you who have internet and computer experience to please visit the board from time to time and see if you can be of assistance.  

Likewise, if you are a more experienced writer, and notice someone who could use your help, for example someone who is trying to master the English language, then by all means do so.  

This class will be the first online class for many or most of you. It's a strange, disorienting, frustrating experience... at first, but don't worry, things will all come together as you go along.  

Get involved. Meet people. Writers are usually a sensitive lot, and many of us are shy at first, so if this is you, then remember there are many like yourself who need a little push to get involved. Join in your study group right away, post your exercises and make encouraging comments to others who post their work.  

Be bold in your writing and tactful in your comments to others ... this is a place to learn, not a place to show off. 

HAVE FUN, BE LIGHT  
  
Introduction note: You will need to keep a running journal for this class. The journal should include copies of all assignments, reader responses and exercises.  

Divide your journal into three categories:   

   1. Copies of Assignments: Print out all assignments and put them in your journal. This will help you see your progress and is good insurance for computer crashes.  

   2. Reader Responses: Make comments and write questions you may have concerning the reading assignments. A good approach to this is to write as if you were writing to the author. For example, keep a running dialogue with Eric Maisel; jot a couple of notes to Calvino and Vonnegut; comment on my exercises and strategies; write your own ideas about how you can use the strategies, or improve on them. Keep in mind that what works for one writer does not necessarily work for another... you use this information to branch out and establish your own philosophy of writing, taking this, tossing that.  

3. Exercises: Keep copies of all your exercises. Many of these may grow into stories or components of stories. Some assignments will be revisions of past assignments. Keep both original and revised copies.  

If you have any questions, please contact your Mentor, visit the HelpDesk or ask at the weekly chats.  

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and I wish you all the best with F2K!

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