6 weeks Introduction to Creative Writing Workshop x Kalisha Buckhanon
Where Does It Come From? Where Does It Go?
An Introduction to Creative Writing
Accent Society · Fall 2025
Professor: Kalisha Buckhanon
Course Overview
The human generation of volumes of words around a central story, theme, or topic is commonly reduced to the term writing — though most are typing these days.
It remains a mysterious practice, often an impulse. It is never performative or collaborative in its earliest stages, but rather demands solitude and meditation before becoming something others may add to or support.
Very few people ever master writing as a productive hobby, real job, or serious career. Most give up on generating what can only come from within — something with no clear path or predictable outcome.
However, best practices and industry standards do exist. They can help take the unique writing that comes from within us to higher places.
This introductory course is for anyone newly considering writing seriously or those who have started but are new to the business of it.
All writers — no matter their level or stage — begin in the same place: a blank page.
If you want to begin work or bring your work into the world, this course is for you.
The class will combine professor talks, readings, and workshopping of short pieces for partner feedback.
All elements will center on using and honoring where we come from to make our work.
Your priority is to produce one saleable or placeable short work in 6 weeks and a query letter to an ideal agent or publisher for it.
Readings are optional, reflecting diversity in form and the idea that every origin story can lead to a writing life.
Week 1 — Where We Come From
Readings (Classic)
“On Keeping a Notebook” — Joan Didion
“Fish Cheeks” — Amy Tan
“For sale: Baby shoes, never worn.” — Unknown
Workshop
Student introductions: who we are, where we come from, who we read, and our favorite works.
Professor Talk
Basics of how literary agents, submission processes, and query letters work.
Homework
Start or continue a piece of writing to refine throughout the course.
Commit to completing one short story, narrative essay, or memoir piece in 6 weeks.
Draft a sample query letter introducing yourself, your origin story, your goals, your submitted work, and—most importantly—why people will want to read it.
Week 2 — The Industry Landscape
Reading (Novel)
Excerpt from How Much of These Hills Is Gold — C Pam Zhang
Professor Talk
Types of publishers (major, traditional, small press, academic, indie, vanity, etc.)
Contract basics: advances, royalties, options, foreign rights.
Workshop
Students may share drafts or query letters for feedback.
Due
First writing draft + query letter draft to exchange with a partner.
Homework
Read your partner’s work and provide 1–2 pages of feedback for next class.
Week 3 — Flash Fiction & Criticism
Readings (Flash Fiction)
“Choke Chains” — Kalisha Buckhanon
“The Books of Losing You” — Junot Díaz
“Billy Delivers Last 12 Novels” — James Sallis
Workshop
Flash fiction writing exercise: short sprints to generate new work or tackle challenges.
Professor Talk
The publishing industry in depth: agents, queries, and submissions.
Understanding criticism: how to give and receive feedback and revise effectively.
Due
Partner feedback on Writing Draft #1 and Query Letter #1.
Homework
Revise your drafts into Writing Draft #2 and Query Letter #2 based on feedback.
Week 4 — The MFA Path
Readings (Short Story)
“She Who Remembers” — Jesmyn Ward
“Cat Person” — Kristen Roupenian
Workshop
Writing exercise and sample readings.
Professor Talk
Creative Writing MFA programs — types, pros, cons, and how to apply.
Due
Writing Draft #2 + Query Letter #2.
Homework
Provide partner feedback on both drafts.
Week 5 — Writing Beyond the Page
Readings (Reviews)
“Superman” (film) — Roger Ebert
“A Man Who Looks in the Mirror and Smiles” (books) — Michiko Kakutani
“A dozen L.A. ice cream shops to help you cool off” (food) — Steph Cha
Professor Talk
Fellowships, grants, contests, and writing gigs — staying sharp and paid as a writer.
Workshop
Discussion: what we qualify for or plan to do as writers beyond creative writing.
Due
Partner feedback on Writing Draft #2 and Query Letter #2 (1–2 pages).
Homework
Revise your Final Writing Draft and Final Query Letter.
Week 6 — Public Reading & Celebration
Final Reading (Short Story)
“The Bill: For Palma Vecchio, at Venice” — László Krasznahorkai, 2025 Nobel Prize Winner
Student Reading
Time to celebrate your work!
Sign up for a time slot to read your piece and invite guests to join the celebration.
Course Goal:
By the end of 6 weeks, you will have:
One polished short piece (fiction, essay, or memoir)
One professional query letter ready for submission
A deeper understanding of the literary industry and your own creative origin
About Accent Member Pricing
To access Accent Member ticket types (such as Early Bird for Accent Member or Standard for Accent Member), you must be subscribed to the Accent Witch membership ($25/month).
To qualify for the discounted price, you’ll need to:
Be subscribed to the Accent Witch tier — Subscribe here
Maintain your subscription for at least 3 months (This can start now — no need to have subscribed in advance.)
If you have any further questions please contact our WeChat assistant (ID: accent_society)