Cirrus@Austlit

This unit of study focuses primarily on short story writing and further develops writing techniques and approaches to fiction practised in first and second year creative writing units of study. The unit will revisit conventional realist writing techniques but emphasis will be placed on innovative departures from realism and students will be encouraged to experiment with story length and form. Students will read a range of short fiction by Australian and international writers, and two or three novels, as well as a variety of extracts by contemporary writers. The unit of study will blur and test the boundaries between: writing and reading; creativity and reflection; theory and practice. Students will be encouraged to explore contemporary issues, to research thematic and conceptual materials, to engage with theory and philosophy and to participate in the writing workshop process. Writers learn to write by writing, and constructive criticism and feedback can assist in the process. The fiction writing workshops that form a key part of this unit will concentrate on intensive writing and revision, and all students will be expected to submit and read their work to the tutor and to the class for critique.