Precollege Programs: Creative Writing Workshop

9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

The Craft of Writing

Each day, students will be introduced to a new element of writing craft (voice, tone, diction, dialogue, etc.). There will be a discussion of technique, and a related writing exercise (or exercises) that students will share.

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Intro of the Daily Writing Prompt

Every day the students are given an optional writing prompt with the idea that at least one will develop into a longer piece that will be revised and polished. Spending at least twenty minutes on the daily prompt is good for writing practice, and for stretching our writers’ technique, imagination, and perception of their own capabilities.

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Lunch

Weather permitting, students have the opportunity to enjoy lunch outdoors with their Teaching Assistants, soaking in the beauty of the Purchase College campus, connecting with fellow students, and recharging their energy before heading into afternoon classes and activities.

1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Writing Period

Students spend this time writing, drafting, revising, and polishing their pieces. Teacher and teaching assistants will be available to offer feedback.

2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Group Activities

A variety of writing and relevant games modified from acting models to explore character, dialogue, plot, and rhetorical devices such as alliteration, assonance, diction, tone, etc.

Workshop

Each student shares the pieces that they are developing and revising (the exercises are shared daily— workshop is for pieces that the writers want to perfect). Students offer positive feedback as well as constructive criticism for the revision of the works in progress. Workshop is always guided by the instructor.

On the final day, students will present their work in a dynamic reading of their pieces, open to family and friends.

At the end of the program, students will have polished pieces that can be used for college essays and/or award submissions.