The point of this
project is to get you out there investigating the issues that are relevant to
publishing today and deciding where you stand. On the day we approach your
given topic, your group will be responsible for 30 minutes of leading the discussion and presenting the key points/arguments
about the topic. This should be more of a conversation than your group
presenting a formal presentation, but there will be some information that you
need to share with the rest of the class.
Some things that might
help:
· You should try presenting as a kind of debate.
One person from the group could argue for one side of the issue, the other
against, and the class could then vote on which was more persuasive.
· You might bring in an article or section of
a book to pass around to the class, which will help us to better understand the
subject.
· You might consider making a handout, which
outlines the key points, or a PowerPoint, if you are PowerPoint inclined.
· Keep the flow of conversation going: prepare questions to ask the class, or ask
the class to come up with questions or comments as we go.
· One thing that will guarantee you a high
grade is actual contact with professionals. For instance, if you are leading
the conversation about self-publishing, it would be fabulous to have
interviewed someone who has done that.
· Be creative and try to have fun with it.
Good places to start looking for information:
What I’ve noticed about
these sources is that sometimes you stumble over GREAT articles that apply to
your topic by just browsing through their archives or flipping through the
magazine. Pay attention to the “related article” links they often have in the
sidebars too. For most topics, I have
given individual starting points or articles I knew about that might help you,
but I expect you to reach well beyond these sources and learn more. I want you
to become experts at your topic!
1.
1. Group One: Art v. Commercial fiction (literary v. genre), Due 9-6
Ryan, Ally, and Molly
Fundamental Question: Is one form of
writing superior to another, a.k.a “better” writing?
Things
you should know:
· What is the definition of literary fiction?
· What is the definition of genre fiction?
· Which of these two makes a more valuable
contribution to society?
· What’s important to a writer of literary
fiction?
· What’s important to a writer of genre
fiction?
· What are the pros/cons of both?
· Good starting points:
2. Group Two: MFAs and a
Writer’s Education, Due 9-13
Joy, Samantha, and Jake
Fundamental Question: Can good writing be
taught?
Things
you should know:
· What is the purpose of an MFA in creative
writing?
· What are the arguments for and against
education in creative writing?
· Case studies of writers who did AND writers
who didn’t get a formal education.
· What are the best writing programs in the
country? By what criteria are these
programs judged?
· What is the history of the MFA?
· What’s the big deal about the Iowa Writer’s
Workshop?
· How should you decide on an MFA program?
· Describe the process of applying for an
MFA—what do you need?
· What are low-residency MFAs and how do they
compare to regular MFAS?
· Good starting points:
3. Group 3: Writers conferences, Colonies, and Crit groups, Due 9-27
Rob, Marisa, and Zach
Fundamental Question: Outside of a college
setting, can a career as a writer really be helped by getting involved in
writing conferences and groups, or should you just buckle down and write and
not waste the time and/or expense on these activities?
Things
to know:
· What are writing conferences? What is the point of writing conferences and
how do they work? What are the best,
most prestigious conferences? What are
some local ones?
· What is a writing colony? What are the most respected writing colonies
in the country? What is the goal of a
writing colony?
· Why do you think such importance is played
on groups and group support in an art that is often so solitary?
· What are crit groups? What are the pros/cons of being part of a
crit group?
· Good starting points:
4. Group 4: Literary Journals, Due 10-11
Rebecca, Cameron, and Sean
Fundamental Question: How do literary
journals work and what are they looking for?
You
will have an opportunity to interview an editor of a literary journal, either via
Skype or in person, You will need to come
up with a list of questions by the WEEK BEFORE your interview and send them
to Cynthia, to forward to the editor.
Things
to know:
· What is the history of literary journals?
· What are the most highly respected journals
in the country?
· What is the purpose of a literary journal?
· What does the term “simultaneous
submission” mean, and how do journals think about this?
· How do literary journals play a part in
shaping the careers of young writers?
· What is the history and reputation of Boise
State’s literary journal?
· Good starting points:
5. Group Five: Literary agents, Due 10-18
Lindsay, Tomas, and Allison
Fundamental Question: What is the role of a
literary agent in a writer’s life, and what are literary agents looking for?
You will have an opportunity to interview,
via Skype, Cynthia’s agent at Curtis Brown, Katherine Fausset, so you will need
to come up with a list of questions by
the WEEK BEFORE your interview and send them to Cynthia.
· What ARE literary agents? What do they do?
· How does one become a literary agent?
· What are the pros/cons to having an agent?
· What are the best/biggest literary AGENCIES
in the country?
· What makes a “good” agent?
· Good sources / starting points:
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