The Summer Writers Institute brings together many of St. Louis´ finest writers to share their expertise with those who are serious about developing their writing skills. The Institute offers one week of intensive workshops in fiction, nonfiction, screenplay writing, and flash fiction/prose poetry, as well as readings, craft talks, and individual conferences with faculty. Workshops are conducted in supportive, non-competitive formats allowing constructive feedback. Classes are small and writers receive personalized attention. Application is not required.
Course: Screenplay Writing
Course number: U11 4100
Instructor: Richard Chapman
3 credits
Tuition: $1815
In this workshop we will explore, through lecture and discussion, the various elements, structures, and styles used in crafting a motion picture screenplay. Participants will cultivate skills in developing story ideas by examining the tools necessary to construct a beginning, middle, and end in the three-act structure. We will then engage in scene writing exercises designed to develop character and propel narrative--workshopping short scenes illustrating the use of conflict and dramatic tension will enable participants to see their work on its feet--to see what "plays" and what "lays." Participants will work in chosen genres: comedy, drama, suspense, and get a true taste of how a screenplay comes together. There will be in-class exercises in constructing the opening of a script -- how to engage or "hook" the reader in the first few pages. Participants will then further explore their craft by writing the first ten pages of a screenplay. Writing sample is not required.
Course: Fiction
Course number: U11 4103
Instructor: Anne Sanow
3 credits
Tuition: $1815
In this workshop we will discuss the writing process and ways to make a story detailed and vivid while also keeping it moving forward. Close attention will be paid to the rhythm and texture of language: how to make prose active rather than passive, specific instead of general, and how this focus helps elevate overall voice and tone. We will read work by published writers to see how they make their stories successful; and participants will submit their own draft of a story or novel for critique. Genre fiction (such as mystery, young adult, or sci fi) are welcome—just be aware that the models we use will be literary and the standards high. Whatever the audience you’re writing for, the goal is to help you make your work as developed and compelling as possible. Workshop submission required by July 1st.
Course: Flash Fiction and Prose Poetry
Course number: U11 4102
Instructor: David Schuman
3 credits
Tuition: $1815
In this workshop we will read published works of flash fiction and prose poetry in addition to writing and critiquing our own. In flash fiction plot, character, tone, and style are boiled down to bare necessity; in prose poems narrative-fictional strategies are employed to explore poetic concerns. These forms have grown popular in this age of the internet but have a tradition and a history in fables, jokes, and anecdotes. Flash fiction and prose poetry force us to focus on concerns that are applicable to much longer works, such as the importance of using negative space to tell a story “between the lines;” or selecting information quickly and efficiently to get to the heart of a conflict/character/theme. We will explore these strategies and more and will discuss as well methods of revision. Each student will have a portfolio workshopped by the entire class. Writing sample is not required.
Course: Nonfiction
Course number: U11 4104
Instructor: Kathleen Finneran
3 credits
Tuition: $1815
In this workshop we will create works of literature using our lives as subject matter. In addition to writing our own works, we will read published pieces of personal narrative as we discuss the fundamental questions and challenges of writing in this form: among these will be the relationship between the self as writer, the self as narrator, and the self as protagonist. We will be concerned over issues of truthfulness, the difference between the factuality of an experience and the truth of an experience, the role of imagination in nonfiction, as well as our obligation to those who inhabit our lives and thus our stories. During the workshop, we will do writing exercises to help trigger creativity and short assignments to help discover and shape subject matter. Each student will have one manuscript of new writing workshopped by the class. Writing sample required by July 1st.