Is fiction unreal? Does it have to be invented? What is the place of the real in fiction? Where does reality end, and the fictional begin? Does fiction involve telling a story? Is it possible to have fiction without a story? What is the relation between the modern literary genres of the novel and the short story with ancient forms of storytelling?
We will examine these questions in the class through the practice of writing fiction. Classwork will include various writing exercises involving voice, setting, point of view, character, story, dialogue, and other elements of fiction.