In this intermediate level fiction-writing class, we will focus on the life-affirming aspects of storytelling. Throughout the semester, we will be reading Charlie Jane Anders’ Never Say You Can’t Survive, a guide to writing and living through difficult times. Other texts include White Cat, Black Dog by Kelly Link, Family Dinner by Bryan Washington,The Art of Starving by Sam J. Miller, and Homesick by Nino Cipri. You will write four exercises derived from the readings and workshop them in pairs or small groups. You will also collaborate on group stories and reading activities. The semester will culminate with a full-length story based on one of your earlier exercises. You will produce a revision of that story for your final project.