Writing Fiction

I liked the combination of handouts, presentation, discussion, and reading student writing for feedback. The combination of all of these separate tools helped reinforce concepts and make each two hour session productive and varied. Nils makes the classroom comfortable for people at all levels.

What a wonderful experience your writing class is!  I was amazed at what I was able to produce in this short time, and I feel much more confident about what makes an interesting short story.  The tone you set for the class was so constructive and instructive that you brought out the best in all of us. Thank you so much for this enriching class!

Hi, Nils: You may not remember me, but a few years ago I took my first-ever creative writing class with you …. The class had such a profound impact on me that I immediately applied to graduate programs to pursue a Master’s Degree in creative writing. I was fortunate to be accepted to a wonderful school in Los Angeles, and recently graduated with distinction. I have also completed my first novel, and many times throughout the writing/editing process, I would sometimes hear your voice in my head saying, “Show, don’t tell,” and, “Watch for excessive modifiers.”
I also teach English now, and I’ve realized how meaningful it can be to hear from students who have valued your instruction. To that end, I want to thank you for giving me my first “push” and encouraging me to continue doing what I love. I plan to move back to Seattle in the coming months, and I hope I’ll run into you sometime so I can thank you in person. I hope you’re continuing to teach and to inspire.

Thanks again for the short story writing class this quarter. I found your comments on my stories, and other students’ stories, helpful and to the point. You said what you thought, but without trashing anybody. I also appreciated being able to hear other students’ comments on what I’d written.

I liked the format, and the chance to things aloud…. hearing my own stories was an eye-opener. Just hearing them, I could tell when they were working or where the cuts needed to be. It was also great having a chance to get so much feedback.

I spent two years not writing and getting ragged about it. I have to say that during your class I started writing and I’ve been writing my balls off ever since. It worked for me totally.

I took it because I was “stuck” in journaling, and wanted to shake myself loose and open up my writing abilities and inclinations in some new directions. Your suggestions and comments were great. I’m unstuck. Thank you!!!! I’ll be back in the fall to take the class again.