Creative Writing

One of the more popular courses offered by Summer Scholars.  The course is designed to challenge students while developing more in depth writing skills. 

Our creative writing workshops are perfect for aspiring writers of all ages and skill levels. Students work in small, intensive classes. Ideas are exchanged; discussions abound. There are no pre-requisites – just a love of writing and the desire to participate and grow in the workshop setting.

Students learn how to turn original ideas into pieces of writing, and how to bring imagination and structure to a story. They work on story outline, plot, setting, character development, word choice, revision, and editing. They improve their written voice, and polish their storytelling skills. They have a chance to read and discuss works by both rising and more established contemporary authors. The importance of an idea cannot be overstated. Summer Scholars aim to be that creative element that is too often lacking from standard high school English classes.

The class offers mixtures of prompts and open-ended writing where students express their thoughts and ideas.  In order to stimulate ideas, and help the students find inspiration, the prompts are accompanied by conversations on the various themes. For inspiration, a trip is made each week to a local graveyard, where Revolutionary War veterans and headstones rubbed bare have been the foundation for some incredible poems, essays, and fiction stories. Centenary Summer Scholars gives the student ample time to explore their creativity and hone their craft, all while supervised and aided by professional creative writing teachers.

Students also practice giving and receiving critique – a critical skill in the workshop environment, and one of the best ways to turn a neutral piece into something powerful. Through engaging, non-traditional assignments and techniques, students enliven their writing and develop tools to apply during the school-year, in college essays and in their personal work.