XWRT6035 - Story by Story: The Composite Novel or Memoir

Course Description

Just as life unfolds story by story, the Composite Novel or Memoir links multiple short stories (or prose poems) by character(s), theme, setting, plot, or even uncanny coincidence to create an intriguing hybrid. First, acquire the art of writing the short story—an engaging compressed form in sync with contemporary time constraints. A short story (or narrative poem) is not a mini-novel— it is a self contained, focused piece of writing—intense and often unexpected. Whether fiction or memoir, you will learn craft skills to render compelling characters, invent or reimagine believable dialogue, learn to show not tell, evoke atmosphere, integrate figurative language, twist a plot, maintain rhythm and control pacing. Focus is to create one story (or prose poem) at a time—to be collaged, configured and woven together in the end. A structure that mirrors life!