Setting the Scene

In this class, through examples, exercises, and discussion, students will focus on developing a story and creating a setting for that story that becomes integral to it, almost a separate character. Exercises in reading and writing will be completed each week. Students will make progress toward completing a short story with a strong setting and will read feedback from the instructor as well as their peers.

Week 1 The Contemporary Setting
What is setting and how do I choose the right one for my story?
What is the difference between the broader context (e.g., contemporary California) and local setting (e.g., the backyard of the narrator's home in Sacramento)?
How do I use details to establish unfamiliar settings?
Reading 1: example story with contemporary setting.
Writing 1: Come up with a story idea, and use the idea to determine a setting. Do preliminary research as necessary.

Week 2: The Historic Setting
How do I write about places I've never been?
How do I use details to establish setting? How do I place them in a story? Using just the right amount of details in the correct places.
Reading 2: Example story with historic setting.
Writing 2: First pages of your story with details establishing its setting.

Week 3:
How do I write about imaginary places?
How do I connect setting to character and plot?
How do I place them in the story? How do I transition between settings? Choosing the right setting for your characters and their situation, using details wisely, moving between settings gracefully.
Reading 3: Story with fantasy setting
setting.
Writing 3:
Continue your story, transitioning between settings as necessary.
Week 4:
How do I connect setting to theme? Making an implied comment on the place and its people.
Reading 4:
Read a short story. Determine the theme and the comment the author is making on the time and place of the story.
Writing 4:
Finish your short story. Show your characters in their setting, and make an implicit comment on the place and time.





Instructor: Stacia Ann

About The Instructor: Stacia Ann is an Linguistics Lecturer and Writing Instructor at the University of California. She has a doctorate of Education, Master's of Art in English/TESOL. This instructor has taught writing classes for over ten years. She also teaches academic writing and English as a Second Language at the University of the Pacific. A published author including works of short fiction and academic nonfiction including contest winning stories.