Voice and Form

It’s something we talk about in workshop and admire in the literature we read, but how does one discover one’s voice in fiction? How is voice related to subject matter, form, and point of view? How does one go about creating a memorable voice on the page? Through writing exercises and weekly reading assignments, we’ll explore these and other questions. Readings will include several genres, including young-adult novels, graphic memoirs, short stories, poetry, and creative nonfiction. Authors we’ll read include George Saunders, Barry Yourgrau, Sherman Alexie, Aimee Bender, and Jacqueline Woodson. Students will get a chance to workshop stories at least twice during the semester; for conference, there will be additional reading. Come prepared to work hard, critique the writing of others with care and insight, and hone the elements of craft in your own fiction.