The University of New Orleans
Writing Workshop in Cork, Ireland
Summer 2015
ENGL 2161: Introduction to Fiction Writing
Instructor: Maureen McVeigh, M.A., M.F.A.
mmcveigh@wcupa.edu
mcveigh.maureen@gmail.com
Course Description
An introductory level workshop focusing on forms and techniques of fiction writing, taught in intensive (short
term) format, in residence. Students will write two short stories and provide constructive feedback for the
works of their classmates. Based on this feedback, students will revise their creative works. Readings of
published works will introduce the formats and elements of fiction as well as provide common terminology
and guidance for workshop critiques. Each student will choose a published short story to analyze as a
representation of an element of fiction and present this analysis to the class.
Topics include:
- creating a complete narrative
- developing character and plot
- using figurative language
- understanding and creating symbolism
- choosing and maintaining point of view
Texts
Online versions of each short story will be provided by the instructor. Students may also use hard-copy
versions.
“Araby” - James Joyce
“The Story of an Hour” - Kate Chopin
“A Good Man is Hard to Find” - Flannery O'Conner
“The Lesson” - Toni Cade Bambera
“Cat in the Rain” - Ernest Hemingway
“Orientation” - Daniel Orozco
“How to Become a Writer” - Lorrie Moore
“The Dead” - James Joyce
Additional stories may be assigned and will be provided by the instructor.
Students will also read all stories submitted for workshop by their classmates.
In addition, each student will analyze and present to the class a published story, element of an author’s work
as inspiration, or collection of work that is not on the list above.
Assignments
Short Story 1
Short Story 1 Revision
Short Story 2
Short Story 2 Revision
Percentage of Final Grade
15
15
15
15
Presentation
Workshop critiques for classmates
Responses to writing prompts and inspirations
10
15
10
Attendance and participation at student readings
5
First drafts of creative work will be graded based on effort to produce a complete narrative with developed
characters; use of language; originality of ideas and style; and inclusion of the elements of literature.
Revisions will be graded for the same and development based on workshop feedback and student's own ideas
for improvement. Analysis and presentation will be evaluated for insight based on the story and suggestions
provided to classmates for writing based on this insight. Workshop critiques will be graded based on quality
of constructive feedback created by close reading and consideration.
Daily Schedule
Week 1
Lessons
Readings
Workshops / Presentations
MONDAY
Introduction to Course
Workshop practice
“Araby” - James Joyce
Students will choose or be
assigned dates to workshop both
stories and to present their
published story analysis.
TUESDAY
Character
“The Story of an Hour” - Kate Chopin
WEDNESDAY
Plot and Conflict
“A Good Man is Hard to Find” - Flannery O'Conner Short Story 1
1.
2.
THURSDAY
Setting
“The Lesson” - Toni Cade Bambera
Short Story 1
3.
4.
Week 2
Lessons
Readings
Workshops / Presentations
MONDAY
“Cat in the Rain” - Ernest Hemingway
Figurative Language
Imagery and Symbolism
Short Story 1
5.
6.
7.
TUESDAY
Point of View
Short Story 1
8.
9.
10.
“How to Become a Writer” - Lorrie Moore
Presentations
1.
2.
WEDNESDAY
“Orientation” - Daniel Orozco
Short Story 1
Presentations
1.
2.
THURSDAY
Presentations
1.
2.
Week 3
Lessons
Readings
MONDAY
Workshops / Presentations
ALL SHORT STORY 1 REVISIONS
DUE
ALL SHORT STORY 2
FIRST DRAFTS DUE
TUESDAY
Short Story 2
1.
2.
3.
WEDNESDAY
Short Story 2
4.
5.
6.
THURSDAY
Short Story 2
7.
8.
9.
Week 4
Lessons
MONDAY
Readings
“The Dead” - James Joyce
Workshops / Presentations
Short Story 2
10.
Presentations
1.
2.
TUESDAY
Presentations
1
2.
WEDNESDAY
ALL SHORT STORY 2 REVISIONS
DUE
Presentations
1.
2.
3.
THURSDAY
Complete all work not yet completed