During my time in Creative Writing 200, I had the opportunity to explore a variety of writing genres and develop my skills as a writer. The course covered a broad range of writing forms, including fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, screenplay, stageplay, graphic forms, lyric forms, children's literature, and writing for new media.
One aspect that I found particularly valuable was the opportunity to experiment with different styles and genres. The course encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and try new things, which helped me to discover new approaches to writing and develop my own unique voice as a writer.
Additionally, the course emphasized the importance of regular writing practice and provided ample opportunities for in-class writing exercises and peer feedback. This allowed me to receive constructive criticism on my work and to learn from my peers' writing as well.
Although manuscript submission was not required for admission, the course still maintained high standards for writing quality and provided rigorous criteria for all assignments. As a result, I was able to gain a deeper understanding of the writing process and refine my writing skills.
Overall, Creative Writing 200 was a valuable experience that allowed me to explore different genres, experiment with different writing techniques, and develop my writing skills. The course provided a supportive and collaborative environment that fostered creativity and helped me to become a better writer.
Assignment One: Fiction
My original short fiction story revolves around how we are driven to make decisions or take part in actions that go against our will. My intention is to provide a perspective into how loneliness, along with traumatic experiences can shape someone’s destination.
I learned from this assignment the importance of pacing and tension. As the story progressed, the tension built up gradually, keeping the reader engaged and curious about what would happen next. The addition of unexpected events, such as the sudden appearance of the boy and the change in setting, added to the suspense and made the story more dynamic.
Furthermore, I realized the significance of incorporating themes and motifs into the story. The use of the rain as a symbol of sadness and the cat as a symbol of comfort and companionship helped to add depth and meaning to the story. The inclusion of the German word "Mauerbauertraurigkeit," meaning the inexplicable urge to push people away, added a layer of complexity to the main character's personality.
Overall, this assignment taught me the importance of careful planning and attention to detail when crafting a story. It showed me the significance of using descriptive language, pacing, tension, and symbolism to make a story come alive.
Disclaimer: It might contain explicit graphic descriptions, as well as sadistic scenes. The following text is not related to my personal life. I have never experienced the desire to make someone suffer, nor have I suffered from similar situations.
Read my submission here: Assigment #1
Assignment Two: Fiction
In my fictional story, I reflected on the experience of babysitting and the feelings of numbness, boredom, and frustration that could arise from it. I explored the desire for something more alive, represented by the color gold, and observed the monotony of the environment around me, including the greyscale aesthetic of the room and the lack of life in the books on the shelf. I also expressed frustration with the constant need to cover up and pretend things were shiny and new, rather than embracing their natural state. Finally, I acknowledged the innocent death of the book and the potential for destruction that could come with boredom and a lack of stimulation.
I skillfully provided insight into the thoughts and emotions of my characters during this experience. Through their exploration of the color gold and the monotony of their environment, I painted a vivid picture of the feelings of boredom and the desire for something more alive. I highlighted the frustration that came from constantly covering up and pretending things were new, rather than embracing their natural state. Additionally, I effectively drew attention to the potential for destruction that could come with boredom and a lack of stimulation, as exemplified by the innocent death of the book.
Overall, my fictional story offers a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of boredom and the desire for something more. It invites readers to reflect on their own experiences and emotions and to consider the potential consequences of ignoring or suppressing these feelings.
Read my submission here: Assigment #2
Assignment Three: Non-Fiction
As the writer of this story, I have learned several things through the writing process. Firstly, I have learned how to use descriptive language to create a vivid image in the reader's mind. I utilized various sensory details such as touch, sound, and smell to help the reader experience the setting and emotions of the characters. Secondly, I have demonstrated an ability to develop complex characters with unique personalities, opinions, and backgrounds. My aunt is portrayed as a traditional, chauvinistic woman who is pessimistic about life, while I am depicted as a more open-minded and curious individual. Finally, I have learned about the power of introspection and reflection. Through my character's internal dialogue, I explore deeper themes such as the meaning of life, the role of memory in shaping our identity, and the importance of connecting with others. By reflecting on my writing, I can gain insight into my own beliefs and values, which can help me grow and evolve as a writer and as a person.
Read my submission here: Asssigment #3
Through Creative Writing 200, I acquired numerous skills that are valuable in both my academic and personal life. The three most important skills that I gained from the course are the ability to express myself creatively, the capacity to receive and offer constructive feedback, and the skill of effective editing.
Firstly, the course allowed me to express myself creatively through multiple genres, including fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and more. It taught me how to use vivid and descriptive language to create compelling stories that engage the reader. This skill is not only important in creative writing but also in academic writing, as it can enhance the reader's understanding and engagement with the topic.
Secondly, the course helped me develop the capacity to receive and offer constructive feedback. Through peer critiques, I learned how to accept and use criticism to improve my writing. Similarly, I learned how to give constructive feedback to my peers, helping them to improve their writing skills. This skill is valuable in all aspects of life, as it fosters effective communication, collaboration, and growth.
Lastly, the course taught me the skill of effective editing. Through the revision process, I learned how to identify and correct errors in my writing, such as grammar and punctuation mistakes, and to refine my work for clarity and coherence. This skill is important not only in writing but also in other aspects of life, such as proofreading important documents, emails, or social media posts.
Overall, the Creative Writing 200 course allowed me to develop valuable skills that have enhanced my writing abilities and my communication skills in general. These skills are applicable to various aspects of life, including academic writing, personal writing, and even everyday communication.