BART 97A93 - Introduction to Creative Writing

All fiction emerges from the observation of the intimate and finest details of our existence. Imaginary characters are embodied by our impressions, our the big and small events of our lives. In a certain way, the fictional character can become like an avatar of ourselves. Reflecting our thoughts, our emotions, our dreams for the future and our remembrances of the past. This dive into intimacy allows us to give flesh to characters of fiction and to question the utopias or dystopias that our imagination gives birth to. By creating an imaginary life that draws on our origins, our tastes and our points of view, this other self, who can have another sex, another age, another culture, allows us, as for example in Montesquieu's "Persian Letters", or, in a lighter register, as in Steven Spielberg's film "Ready Player One", to take a critical, tender or fierce look at the world, as we perceive it, or dream it. The workshop aims to introduce students to fiction writing. From the short story to the novel, this workshop aims to explore various literary genres while taking an introspective interest in the way in which emotions can give rise to imaginary characters and plots. An important place will be given to initiation stories. Starting from the sensitive expression of our own life, we will learn to invent characters, to anchor them in a reality of our choice. Basing ourselves on contemporary and classical writings, as well as on cinematographic, theatrical and choreographic narratives, we will be able to familiarize ourselves with different ways of writing and learn to master the dynamics of plot and dramaturgy. And since imagination draws its inspiration from the image, we will imagine and illustrate our story through iconographic research, personal collages or drawing. Academic expectations At the end of the course, the student is expected to : Question the limit between reality and fiction. Anchor our stories in contemporary reality, so develop a personal vision of current issues. Set up tools and a methodology aimed at the autonomy of the author in the making. Learn to manage your time to enable a creative process. Confront your writings with others and read the work of other contributing authors.

Emma GOMIS

Atelier

English

Bring a A4 notebook of your choice and that you like, along with a blue or black-ink pen. No phones or computers allowed during the class

Spring 2024-2025

Grading criteria To validate the course, the student is expected to pass the following assignments: 1) Submission of a text draft mid-semester: 40% 2) Handing in a final text with illustrations attached (Size to be defined, Times New Roman, 12): 50% 3) Participation in class: 10% Assignments 1 and 2 will be evaluated based on the following criteria: commitment and engagement/commitment to the two main tools of the class, morning pages and artist dates/originality/evolution of the writing skills through the term Late work policy Late work is not welcome as participation is key, 2 overdue dates are a maximum Late arrival policy Late arrivals are not welcome as participation is key and it is disruptive for the group. 2 late arrivals are a maximum

Session 1: Allowing yourself to be creative. How to start writing. One paper Session 2: Introducing the tools: Morning pages and artist date Session 3: Stream of consciousness writing Session 4: Connecting to one's creative wishes Session 5: Style search: inspiration in known authors Session 6: Teamwork How to tell a story together. How to deal with writer's block Session 7: Inspiration and observation: We may go out of the working space and observe live people and animals. Session 8: Mapping your way to writing a short story Session 9: Collective and individual brainstorming sessions Session 10: Photo language and imagination Session 11: Writing and personal assessments Session 12: Writing and final assessment and wrap up