Overview

Students in the Creative Writing program develop their skills as writers through four hours of daily instruction and ample time to focus on their work.

Details

Students concentrate on two out of three areas of study: poetry, fiction and playwriting. The combination of genres for each student is based on a portfolio review and an individualized meeting with the faculty at the beginning of the session.

Poetry classes focus on lyric, narrative and dramatic poetry, and introduce students to traditional and contemporary poets. Students will explore such topics as textures of language, voice, image, metaphor and context through writing and revising various poetic forms.

Fiction classes focus on the elements of writing the short story as students are introduced to various genres from classic and contemporary authors. Topics explored include structure, character development, conflict and resolution, dialogue and the craft of revision.

Playwriting classes introduce students to concepts such as character creation and dramatic structure through the reading of contemporary dramatic texts. Students will focus on scene writing to explore character, action, theatricality and dialogue, and workshop a scene in class to explore initial stages of revision.

For each concentration, students will participate in workshops in which their work will be critiqued by instructors and peers, allowing them to refine their craft through revision. The session culminates in a public reading in which students present their work.

It is strongly recommended that students bring laptop computers. Students that have an interest in exploring additional art forms may select one elective.

Portfolio Requirements

• Send a personal essay that addresses two points:
  1. How the practice of reading and writing enriches your life
  2. How your attendance at Interlochen will help you attain your goals for creative writing
• Submit a portfolio for at least two of the following genres that reflect your prior work and areas of interest:
  • Poetry - four to five poems, preferably non-rhyming, that offer a variety of forms, styles and subjects.
  • Fiction - three to four short stories, only one of which may be in the fantasy or science fiction genre, that offer a variety of styles and subjects.
  • Playwriting - two to three dialogue-driven scenes or plays, which offer a variety of subjects or genres.

Applicants who are interested in all three areas may submit material for each one, but will be placed in only two areas of study, if accepted.

Please note: All portfolio materials should be typed and proofread, with a standard 12-point font.

Applicants who apply by February 1 will be notified of admission decisions by April 1. Late applicants will be notified on a rolling basis.