If blackout poetry and short stories sound like fun, then Creative Writing might be the elective for you. Creative Writing is a class for students who wish to dive into the world of story writing, or simply exercise their imagination.
Christine Forza is the teacher for Creative Writing I through IV. She teaches Creative Writing I and II in periods 5 and 6, and Creative Writing III and IV in period 7.
“Creative Writing I and II is for all grade levels,” Forza said. “It’s for beginner writers to seasoned writers.”
In Creative Writing I and II, students review the concepts and the format of a story before writing. For students who prefer to start writing immediately, Forza recommends Creative Writing III and IV.
Lessons in Creative Writing consist of examining and writing in many different genres of literature, including short stories and poetry. Students also experiment with subgenres of fiction prose, ranging from mystery to realistic fiction and more.
“I try to keep things fun,” Forza said. “So I try to do experimental lessons, especially with poetry.”
Currently, Forza is teaching blackout poetry to her students. Her next assignment will be to let students choose a genre of their story and the medium of writing they want to do for their story.
In Creative Writing, the classwork is leisurely. The assignments can be done in class or at home. While it is a work-at-your-own-pace class, Forza still sets up reasonable deadlines and encourages her students to stay on task.
“In the very beginning, we do it in chunks,” Forza said. “Like, ‘Let’s work on the setting; let’s work on the introductory and let’s work on developing the plot and developing the characters.’ So we try to do it in little pieces and then put it all together.”
Senior Brady Sahlin is taking Creative Writing I because of his love for writing. He finds it to be a creative outlet that he wants to pursue.
“Since taking Creative Writing, it’s been easier for me to find motivation within myself to write,” Sahlin said. “I’ve always enjoyed doing it, and practice has always been the best way to get better at it, and so it’s been motivating me to practice more and therefore hone it better.”
Creative Writing is a class that anyone can join. The only expectation is to participate and complete the assignments on time.
“We welcome all students,” Forza said. “As long as people are trying their best and giving their 100%, then there’s no issues.”
Students who prefer to channel their creativity into narratives and sonnets should take Creative Writing into consideration.
“I find it pretty hard for people to bring in a creative aspect into most school life, and I think that this would honestly help a lot of people get back into their creative mindset,” Sahlin said.
