Creative Writing at Greenfield Community College
GCC is the perfect place to explore creative writing, whether you are an aspiring or experienced poet, short story writer, singer-songwriter, playwright, screenwriter, novelist, or essayist, we have a course or workshop that can suit your needs.
In addition to the courses and workshops, GCC offers an opportunity to publish writing and art through its online magazine, Lacuna. Also, keep an eye out for the Visiting Writer Series which has brought such luminaries as: Magdalena Gomez, Major Jackson, Le Thi Diem Thuy, Tayari Jones, Myung Mi Kim, Christopher Stackhouse, and George Drew to Greenfield.
Come and explore creative writing through English, Music, Theater, and Community Education at Greenfield Community College and learn to speak with tongue that never runs dry.
A Sample of Available Courses and Workshops:
ENG 114 English Composition II: Literature and Creative Writing (E)
Examination of the creative modes of writing: short fiction, poetry, drama, and song. The writing assignments include creative experiments and literary analysis. The student develops skills in the production as well as understanding of literary art.
ENG 207 Advanced Creative Writing I (HC)
Techniques and approaches in narrative, lyric, and dramatic forms of writing.
ENG 208 Advanced Creative Writing II (HC)
Techniques in narrative, lyric and dramatic forms of writing for students who have completed ENG 207 and wish to continue exploring the problems of creative writing.
ENG 240 Special Topics: Creative Non-Fiction
Explores creative nonfiction essay writing through reading, research, and writing workshops. Students develop familiarity with the variety and history of creative nonfiction. Students use multiple research methods to explore topics of their choice. Students combine academic and creative writing strategies in new ways to explore and analyze the world around them.
A practical exploration of techniques for writing songs in various classic genres including the music of George Gershwin, Chuck Berry, the Beatles, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Ani DiFranco, and others. The course ties together aspects of music theory, music history, improvisation, collaboration, composition, and performance. The course also covers songwriting industry topics such as recording production and copyright law.
CSW 184 - Introduction to Self-Publishing a Children's Book
Have you written a children's book and would like to publish it but don't know where to begin? This introductory workshop will present the basic elements of self-publishing. Topics include obtaining a copyright, book layouts, typesetting, tips on selecting a printer and setting a price for your book. The second half of the workshop includes basic business aspects of publishing such as registering your business, maintaining financials, promotion and much more!
CSW 187 - Exploring the Boundaries Between Forms: A Master Class in Cross-Genre Writing
Basho. Anne Carson. Isaac Bashevis Singer. James Joyce. Busson. Jeffrey Eugenides. Gabriel Garcia Marquez. George Orwell. Gioia Timpanelli. Italo Calvino. You . Throughout history, some of the most startling, powerful, and transformative writing has blurred the edges between prose and poetry, creative non-fiction and magic realism, fable and fact, script and novel. Using techniques from flash-fiction to create new work in response to short in-class readings and discussion, we will explore the infinite possibilities of liminal forms, generate new work, revise it, stage a formal reading, and identify markets publishing cross-genre writing to which students can submit their finished work.
CSW 188 - Writing/Performing Autobiography
So I'm waiting in line 'at register 'four and . . ' We perform our histories all the time at parties, job interviews and sometimes on stage. If you're already a writer and want to see how 'acting' your work helps sharpen 'it 'or if you simply have a story you know is worth telling, this 'class will provide a place for you to explore new territory. The ability to tell personal stories expressively is a useful tool for business people, managers, artists, parents, and of course, actors.
CSW 207 - Let's Write a Kid's Book
So, you have a great idea for a kid's book. This workshop will help you turn your idea into a story. Using both classic and contemporary children's books, we'll look at different formats and structures, memorable characters, interesting plot lines, and a book's emotional resonance. We'll use writing exercises to crank up creativity and play with language. We'll storyboard to help visualize the ways words and pictures work together. You'll receive the support and feedback of a non-judgmental, non-competitive workshop and tips on making your story into a book, whether for a family member or for publication. No experience necessary, but imagination a must.
CSW 208 - Everyone Has a Story to Tell
We all have a story worth telling. It's just hard to know where, or how, to start. The task of capturing a life on paper is challenging and overwhelming. Join us for this six week course and get the tools, structure, impetus and writing time you need to get started writing your memoir, or maybe your grandmother's! Each class will include a brief lesson, a writing exercise, the opportunity to read your work, supportive feedback, and optional homework.
CSW 219 - 'Everyone Has a Story to Tell' Advanced Memoir Writing
This class continues addressing the challenge of capturing a life on the page. Each class will include a discussion about the craft of memoir writing, as well as the opportunity to write, read your work, and receive positive, supportive feedback. For writers who have completed 'Everyone Has a Story to Tell', Round One or who have memoir writing experience.
CSW 645 - Creating the Music: Songwriting Workshop
Anyone can write a song. But where do the ideas, inspiration, lyrics, and melodies come from? What are the basic elements of popular songs? What makes a song work? Why write a song and what's in it for you? We will examine a variety of song forms and styles and explore how lyrics, melody, chord progressions and creative inspiration come together to form a song. What is a creative moment and how can we remember our ideas? You'll get plenty of helpful tools and skills, like when and how to collaborate, rewrite, receive criticism, or perform. Get organized to be creative. Original songs and unfinished works welcome. Music reading/writing skills are not required.