Creative Writing and Narrative Nonfiction for Writing Competitions (6-11th)
9/12-12/12, 14 classes; Every Thursday, 7:00-8:30 pm EST

In this course, students will learn how to improve their own original writing by studying the elements of successful writing and practicing using those elements in their own work. The Creative Writing course is designed for students who enjoy writing. Specific topics of instruction will include the use of voice, imagery, characterization, dialogue, and narration, as well as specific editing and revising skills. Students will explore the creative writing process in numerous genres (poetry, narrative nonfiction, short fiction, flash fiction, and drama). During the semester, each student will build a portfolio of original works for potential publication. Students will be encouraged to submit their finished works to grade-appropriate national creative writing contests, including The New York Times student writing contests and the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards competition. (In 2024, a WeLight student won a Silver Key Award from the Scholastic Arts and Writing competition for her original work composed in a WeLight writing class.)