English: NaNoWriMo

Topics vary by semester and professor. Representative topics: Writing Literary Criticism; Reading and Writing Autobiography; Literary Journalism. May repeat for credit with different content. Topics vary by offering; periodic offering at intervals that may exceed four years. Prerequisites: ENGL 1700, ENGL 1702, ENGL 1705, ENGL 1730, or ENGL 1740; minimum Sophomore standing.

Prereqs enforced by the system: ENGL 1700, ENGL 1702, ENGL 1705, ENGL 1730, or ENGL 1740; minimum Sophomore standing. PACE students by permission and override

Every November, writers who participate in NaNoWriMo, a.k.a. National Novel Writing Month, pit their creativity, enthusiasm, pace, community against the seemingly insurmountable task of finishing a novel. In this class, we’ll join this national movement, but with the extra scaffolding of an advanced writing course to get you prepped for the endeavor. Think of the first weeks like training for a marathon: in September and October, you’ll read sample novels and craft chapters, and create a portfolio of character sketches, scene ideas, a timeline, and other elements to focus your ideas. In November, you will run the marathon. You will write approximately 1,700 words a day, for a total of 50,000 words. Weekly write-ins, periodic feedback sessions, and instructor coaching will provide community support. Rather than most writing workshops, which emphasize revision, this course emphasizes vision, daring, and the completion of your first draft goal. Grades will be based on your draft word-count, your class attendance and participation, and your novel prep portfolio.