LLA0014 - Fiction Writer's Workshop

Course Description

If you’ve ever thought, “I’d love to write, but I’m not sure where to start” or “I used to write, but it’s been years”, this workshop was made for you. Designed for all levels of writers, it’s a welcoming, judgement-free space to begin or rekindle a regular writing practice. Every class blends craft, creativity, and conversation to help you write fiction with confidence, develop new skills, and rediscover the joy of storytelling.

We explore the building blocks of fiction, character, plot, setting and dialogue through both your own writing and close readings of a carefully chosen mix of published works. Each week offers guided writing exercises, prompts to spark ideas, and an interactive peer workshop in a deeply supportive environment. Peer feedback sessions are designed to encourage, inspire, and motivate, perfect for those who’ve never shared their writing before and for experienced writers easing back into the process. You’ll also find built-in accountability to help you make writing a habit again, plus discussions on revision and paths to sharing or publishing your work.

By the end of the course, you’ll have not only stronger skills and a growing body of work, but also a renewed sense of creative momentum and the confidence to keep writing after the course. 

Course Outline

In this live online course, you’ll explore the essential elements of fiction, character, plot, setting, dialogue, voice, and structure, through weekly readings, writing exercises, and supportive peer workshops. You’ll read short stories and novel excerpts with a writer’s eye, learning not just what works (or doesn’t), but why. You’ll also receive thoughtful feedback on your own writing and learn how to give constructive critiques to others.

Each session includes:

• Guided writing prompts to help you generate new material or deepen existing work
• Group discussions on published fiction to uncover techniques and storytelling strategies
• Workshop time to share your writing and receive feedback in a safe, encouraging environment
• Mini-lessons on editing, revision, and options for sharing or publishing your work

Your weekly homework is:

1. Read an assigned short story or novel chapter with a writer's eye and reflect on what you liked or didn’t (and why)
2. Write a 2–3 page scene using the week’s focus element (character, plot, setting, etc.). Work on one story the whole time, develop something new each week, or keep building an existing project, it’s up to you.

Notes

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Testimonials

"This class encouraged and instructed my writing in new ways. It added commitment, discipline, and improved techniques, all of which brought new levels of excitement into my writing practice. Thank you Professor Ehrke!" E. B.

"I took the Fiction Writer's workshop at Harper College. My instructor Laura Ehrke introduced me to a myriad of different questions writer's should be asking themselves while composing a story and she exposed me to short story writers who have been extremely influential on my writing. She imparted the tools needed to forestall stagnancy because it takes more than heart to translate the thoughts of one's head onto the page. She understands that growth comes from challenging yourself. And she teaches this in a calming, cheerful demeanor. Her lessons are an essential reason as to why I was accepted into Columbia College's Creative Writing Program for this upcoming Fall semester. Her course was my first writing class I had taken since I was in college and have no doubt she helped reacclimate me to the academics side of writing along with everything else I noted above." K. L.

"I've loved our classes--thank you!--you bring a lovely cheerfulness with you, and the materials and prompts you've provided have been stimulating to my writing. My friends and family have often heard me share in these recent weeks how excited I am with the progress I'm making in my writing because of the topics we discuss in class, the ways in which you present suggestions and ideas, and the accountability we have. I'm grateful that our class was small enough for the four of us to share the journey together! Every week, I've been thinking about our class discussions and looking forward to our next one. This class has been a wonderful experience and I'm so glad you offer it! Thank you for the rich trove of resources you've gathered and presented to us, thank you for the thoughtful feedback and questions you've offered during our workshop sessions, and thank you for the encouragement to stick with our writing and our characters. I'm so glad I was able to take part." K. H.

"I enjoyed the class and plan on utilizing the materials you provided us in the future. The pieces shared in the workshop are a great source for reading different styles of writing."