Course Details

Many journalists and freelance writers have literary and creative projects that they are developing in their free time. But how does one move from a journalistic tone to a more expressive and imaginative voice? How does one discern between a factual or interpretive narrative? How does one fictionalize real events or determine what is truth? This seminar will utilize each student's writing practice to illustrate its theoretical points. It will include a short in-class exercise that will serve as a springboard to understanding form.

We will examine the three rhetorical devices that are inherent in all literature so that you can develop appropriate techniques for different kinds of writing assignments. Once these techniques and forms are visible and understood, we will explore how they are interconnected and present in the work you already do. This seminar is well-suited for journalists, non-fiction and fiction writers who want to practice thinking and writing in new ways or simply deepen their understanding of form.

This seminar will also cover:

• How to identify concrete, abstract and interpretive narrative strategies
• The author as authority
• How to determine opinion from observation

Instructor Bio

Jackson Taylor's Courses

Jackson Taylor is most proud to have helped launch The New School's Graduate Writing Program where he is the Associate Director. He holds a BA from Columbia and an MFA from Sarah Lawrence College. For three years he worked at The New York Times as a floater in many departments including The Week in Review, Culture, Arts and Leisure, the UN bureau, and the National and Metro desks. For more than fifteen years he has been the Director of The Prison Writing Program at PEN American Center. He has written film, theater and restaurant reviews for Downtown Express and Time Out NY. His short fiction has appeared in small "zine" publications many of which have four-letter titles i.e.; Spit, Pink, Moss and Punk. He recently completed his first novel and is at work on a second.

Testimonials

It was a really great class. The participants were all smart and enthusiastic about writing. Jackson Taylor has talent! The best writing teacher I have had since college... I loved his seminar! -- Wanda Castillo

"Before Jackson, my writing was flat and had no direction, but now thanks to him I nearly have a completed manuscript! I highly recommend his workshop." -- Sadeqa Johnson, Novelist

"Jackson provided the type of feedback, suggestions, and positive reinforcements that supported my growth as a writer. His suggestions for techniques that I can practice, as well as referrals to other resources on writing, are invaluable." --Suzanne Reisman

"Jackson is an expert in dissecting the art of writing. If you want to heighten your skill in your craft, he is definitely an instructor to seek out." --Lande Yoosuf