Creative Writing

Storytelling is an art form that has been around for ages. Whether it’s a good book by the fire, a nighttime story before bed, or a new blockbuster at the movie theatre, it’s human nature to be fascinated not only with hearing other people tell stories and express opinions in creative ways, but also with creating and expressing our own opinions through writing and storytelling. “Creative Writing” is an introduction to the world of creative writing, designed to give students a chance to listen to the voices of writers that have come before them, as well as find their own voices and tell their own stories. The course will be broken down into four units, giving students a general understanding of four different genres of creative writing: Short Story, Poetry, Creative Essay, and Script Writing. Throughout each unit, there will be many opportunities for writing and revising, as well as reading, helping students to find their “voice” as writers, discover their interests and talents, and ultimately become better writers. Students will then choose the best of their pieces to create portfolios for use after the course has ended.

Instructors

John Blaylock

A Graduate of Chapman University, John grew up in Orange County, performing in many of the area’s children’s theatres. When he was 19, he toured for 10 months with Sesame Street Live, playing the show’s live character, “Professor Art.” Returning to California, John began writing family shows for community theatres in Orange County. Writing Credits include “The Adventures of the Big Bad Wolf,” “The Frog Prince,” “In Wonderland,” and “12 Dancing Princesses,” all of which have been produced numerous times around Orange County. His holiday show, “A Christmas Show” played for five consecutive years in the Orange County Community Theatre circuit. He recently spent five years in New York City, writing and performing in professional theatres on the East Coast. Now, back in California, he currently teaches in the Creative Writing Program at the Orange County High School of the Arts.