54-196 Curating the Writer?s Life
9 units, Carnegie Mellon University
Curating the Writer's Life: Demolishing Perfection, Defeating the Blank Page, and Finishing Your Projects. Anyone can say "I want to be a writer"; how do you change that sentence to "I am a writer?" It turns out the gap between daydreaming while dissociating in the shower and writing those daydreams down is small. Bridging that gap is simple and complicated. It's straightforward and infuriating. Trying to cross the gap yourself is possible, but in the way that finding the exit of a corn maze in the dark is possible. Consider this class your bridge (or your flashlight). This class will involve reading, in-class discussions and workshops, and, of course, plenty of creative writing, both in and out of the classroom. We will take inspiration from our favorite artists, learn new habits for motivation and self-care, destroy our inner critics, experiment with writing prompts, and counteract any obstacle that prevents us from writing our "shitty first drafts." Students will leave this course with a completed writing project of their choosing and a journal full of writing prompts, ideas, and tools for transforming their lives into ones that will best support their creativity. This class is open to all CMU students who want to stop thinking about their ideas and start finishing their ideas, whether they be plays, novels, short stories, or TV pilots. No previous writing experience required. General expectations of the course include showing up, completing assigned readings and writing prompts, asking questions, and engaging in class discussions and activities.
Prerequisites: none listed
Offered: Fall 2025
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