Description

Creative Writing is designed to nurture your student’s creativity and love for storytelling while giving them tools to develop their writing skills. Students will gain confidence in their creative writing and explore different genres including short stories, poetry, and creative non-fiction. This class will also help students express original ideas with clarity and style.

True ease in writing comes from art, not chance, as those move easiest who have learned to dance. ‘Tis not enough no harshness gives offense, the sound must seem an echo to the sense. – Alexander Pope in “An Essay on Criticism”

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Write compelling short stories with strong characters and narrative structure
• Craft poetry using imagery, figurative language, and effective revision techniques
• Compose creative non-fiction including personal essays with clear themes
• Develop their unique voice and writing style
• Apply narrative techniques across multiple genres
• Provide constructive peer critique and incorporate feedback
• Build confidence in creative self-expression

What’s Included

• Weekly live instruction covering fiction, poetry, and creative non-fiction
• Discussion-based classes exploring craft concepts and techniques
• “Reading as a Writer” sessions analyzing famous works to see concepts in action
• Peer critique opportunities for collaborative learning and feedback
• Creative writing assignments in multiple genres throughout the semester
• Guided writing workshops for revision and refinement
• Final grade submitted to parents for their records

Who This Class Is For

This course is perfect for students who:

• Love storytelling and want to develop their creative writing skills
• Want to explore different genres including fiction, poetry, and creative non-fiction
• Are looking to find and develop their unique voice as a writer
• Enjoy reading and want to learn how to “read as a writer”
• Want to build confidence in creative self-expression

Class Details

Credit: Half Credit in High School English/Language Arts

Recommended Grade Range: 8th-12th Grade

The class will meet weekly over Zoom on Thursdays from 10:00-11:00 AM Central Time according to the schedule below. The format will include interactive discussions, writing workshops, “Reading as a Writer” sessions analyzing famous works, and peer critique opportunities.

About the Instructor

Camille Floyd holds a B.A. in English from Lipscomb University and recently completed postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford. With experience as a Teacher’s Assistant in Advanced Composition and a writing tutor, she is passionate about helping students grow in confidence and find their unique voice. Camille brings insight from both religious and secular academic settings to support well-rounded, effective creative writing instruction.

Required Materials

Selections from the following titles:

• The Making of a Story: A Norton Guide to Creative Writing by Alice LaPlante
• Bird by Bird by Anne Lamont
• Sound and Sense: An Introduction to Poetry by Laurence Perrine and Thomas R. Arp
• To Show and to Tell: The Craft of Literary Nonfiction by Phillip Lopate

Students should have:

• Computer or laptop with reliable internet connection
• Word processing software (Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or similar)
• Notebook and writing materials for planning and note-taking

Schedule of Class Meetings

All Thursdays, all scheduled from 10:00-11:00 AM Central Time.

This course is designed to give students the basic building blocks to write creatively. Class will be largely discussion based, with much of the lecture portions coming from the assigned readings. Additionally, there will be a “Reading as a Writer” section, where students will read famous and influential works of fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and screenplays. This will help students see how concepts are expertly used as well as inspire them.

Block 1: Fiction (Short Story)

1. Jan 15 – Course Introduction, Syllabus, Learning Objectives & “Why Writing”
2. Jan 22 – Fiction I: The Basics & The Art of Noticing
3. Jan 29 – Fiction II: The Details, Characters, Narrative
4. Feb 5 – Fiction III: Dialogue, Point of View, Theme
5. Feb 12 – Reading as a Writer – Class Discussion of short stories TBD
6. Feb 19 – Short Story Due

Block 2: Poetry

7. Feb 26 – Poetry I: Introduction, What is a Poem?
8. Mar 5 – Poetry II: Imagery & Figurative Language
9. Mar 12 – Poetry III: Bad Poetry & How to Revise
10. Mar 19 – Reading as a Writer: Class Discussion and Reading Aloud of Selected Poems
11. Mar 26 – Spring Break (Poems Due – No Class)

Block 3: Creative Non-Fiction

12. Apr 2 – Creative Nonfiction I: Introduction and Basic Structure of the Personal Essay
13. Apr 9 – Creative Nonfiction II: Narrative, Theme, and Exploration
14. Apr 16 – Reading as a Writer: Class Discussion on G. K. Chesterton’s A Piece of Chalk and other essays
15. Apr 23 – Personal Essay Due
16. Apr 30 – Reflection and Recapture Day

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I can’t attend the live Zoom sessions?

All the sessions will be recorded and posted for enrolled students to watch at their convenience. You can use the recordings to review or catch up if you missed a session.

Students who can’t make the schedule above can still participate in the class assignments and group discussions by watching the recordings and communicating in the group on My Compass Classroom.

What kinds of assignments and assessments are included?

Assignments include creative writing pieces in multiple genres (short story, poetry, personal essay), reading assignments, class discussion participation, and peer critique. All are designed to help students think creatively, develop their voice, and enjoy the craft of writing.

Will my student receive a final grade?

Yes! The instructor, Camille Floyd, will provide a suggested final grade based on submitted creative work, participation, and engagement with the course material. Since this is a live homeschool course, the parent has the final authority and may use this grade as part of their student’s official transcript or records.

Is there a minimum enrollment required?

All live classes are subject to minimum enrollment in order to hold. If minimum enrollment is not reached before the first scheduled session, all students will be notified and refunded completely.

Do you offer refunds on live classes?

We think you will love this class. If you don’t, you may request a refund but must do so no later than before the second scheduled class after your enrollment (purchase) date. This gives you the chance to experience an entire live class session to make your decision.

How long will I have access to the class?

Recording access expires 6 weeks after the last live session. Students are free to continue working through the course on their own during this time. However, no submissions will be graded after the final class meeting, or as directed by the instructor.