Steven Sharp’s Writing Courses

1. Steven Sharp’s Writing Courses at the University of Alabama

2. College Writing Courses • Creative Writing (fiction) • Advanced Creative Writing (fiction) • Creative Non-Fiction: Writing from Experience • Advanced Creative Non-Fiction: Writing the Feature • Writing for Publication • Plotting the Mystery Novel *Received grades of “A” or “A+” in each course

3. Creative Writing Steven completed UA’s Creative Writing course, which involved character development techniques, point-of-view, plot development, dialogue techniques, and an overview of style, genre, and dramatic/creative themes. Steven completed this course and received a letter grade of “A” without having to rewrite any assignments.

4. Advanced Creative Writing Steven was encouraged by his Creative Writing instructor to enroll in this advanced course because of the promise he showed in the first course. Advanced Creative Writing served to expand upon the techniques and conventions covered in Creative Writing and added some advanced fiction techniques.

5. Creative Non-Fiction Steven believes that a writer should be well-rounded in order to develop the skills necessary for effective communication. Creative Non-Fiction encourages the student to recall memories and portray them in an interesting, thought-provoking manner. Steven’s instructor commented that Steven has the ability to write “with sensitivity but without being sentimental” which he noted is “almost unheard of in student writing.”

6. Advanced Creative Non-Fiction This course was recommended to Steven by his Creative Non-Fiction instructor because of his penchant for capturing events and conveying them lucidly and accurately to his readership. Advanced Creative Non-Fiction focused on writing feature articles as are commonly published in newspapers and magazines. Again, Steven completed the course, receiving an “A” without having to rewrite or edit any of his submitted work.

7. Writing for Publication This course was designed for those students with an interest in learning effective techniques for preparing their work to be submitted for professional publication. The course focused on writing effective query letters, formatting, word count, finding a suitable market, professional presentation, and effective communication with editors and publishers.

8. Plotting the Mystery Novel Plotting the Mystery Novel is a course designed to teach the student the basic elements of identifying key characters, plot elements, settings, and details that are necessary to form the foundation for writing a mystery novel. Steven completed this course with an “A” and intends to use the material developed for this course to write a novel.

9. What’s Next? Steven is completing his senior year at the University of Alabama. He currently carries a 3.25 Grade Point Average and will receive his B.S. in Applied Science in August, 2007. He is contemplating becoming a novelist while remaining active in writing books and articles that improve the quality of life for his readers.

10. About Steven Sharp • 40 years old • Freelance writer • Electronics expert • Huntsville, AL native • Lifelong student • Computer hobbyist • Animal lover