This course focuses on the craft of fiction writing and introduces you to a range of forms and structures that arc over different fictional genres. Through workshopping your own writing and by reading a variety of fictional works you explore some of the major theories around storytelling, including: What is a story in the Western tradition? What makes a story engaging? What makes it a story? You learn about conventions particular to different forms of fiction while considering elements common to all: plot and character development, voice, point of view and the importance of narrative tempo. Through this, you gain insight into what makes a successful story from the point of view of both the writer and the editor.