ENGL 485T(F) The Practice of Revision: Fiction Writing Tutorial
Writers get better by learning to revise more often, more completely, and more
intelligently-which means, in turn, learning to assess what we're actually
getting on the page, learning to talk usefully about our work and the work of
others, and learning to evaluate our readers' critiques. In this tutorial, which is
designed for those who've had significant workshop experience and want to
improve their revision skills, students will gain practice in each of those areas.
Format: tutorial with occasional group meetings. Requirements: Students will
meet in pairs with the instructor for an hour each week; every other week they
will present a piece of new or revised fiction. Presentation will include a reading
of a 3- to 4-page selection from the piece (which will be turned in the previous
day, and may be up to 15 pp long) and oral assessment of its structure, intentions,
and perceived strengths and weaknesses. In alternate weeks, students will
respond orally and in writing to their partner's fiction and its presentation,
followed by discussion of both presentations and the fiction itself. Reading and
responding to published fiction will also be required.
Prerequisites: English 384 or 385; or permission of the instructor. Enrollment
limit: 10 (expected: 10). Selection based on writing samples.