Erudite Writing Workshop - Praxis Community University, Winter 2026

Course Description

This 8-week workshop brings writers together for collaborative learning and guided generative sessions. Through discussion, writing prompts, and peer critique, participants will explore the building blocks of creative writing and gain tools to hone their craft.

Learning Goals

By the end of the workshop, participants will:

Develop a regular writing practice through prompts and exercises.
Strengthen core writing skills including tone, voice, setting, mood, dialogue, and scene-building.
Engage in constructive critique and learn to give and receive feedback.
Create at least one polished piece for a final presentation or reading.

Workshop Activities

Warm-up: Short generative exercise to get ideas flowing.
Mini-lesson: Discussion of a writing craft concept with examples.
Writing Time: Guided prompt or free writing.
Sharing & Feedback: Voluntary read-alouds or small-group critiques.

Meeting Schedule

Week 1	Meeting 1	Foundations for Creative Writing Intros Course Description Furor Scribendi Reading to Write; Word Horde Generative Session, Prompt Bucket
Week 2	Meeting 2	Creative Writing Tool Kit Critique and Collab Tool Kit Elements of Narrative Tools to Enhance Writing Generative Session
Week 3	Meeting 3	Dialogue and Character Examples, Tools Generative Session
Week 4	Meeting 4	Setting, Mood, Scene Examples, Tools Generative Session
Week 5	Break
Week 6	Meeting 5	Critique Session #1 & #2 Two participants share work for in-depth feedback. Discussion on how to give and receive critique.
Week 7	Meeting 6	Critique Session #3 & #4 Continued Peer Feedback.
Week 8	Meeting 7	Critique Session #5 & #6 Peer feedback and discussion Wrap upn
Week 9	Meeting 8	Writers Block; Publishing

Readings & Materials

"Positive Obsession" and "Furor Scribendi" by Octavia E. Butler
Stranger Than Fiction (2006)

Expectations

Participate actively and respectfully in discussions.
Submit work on time for critique weeks.
Maintain a supportive environment where all voices are valued.

Submission Guidelines

Submissions are due one (1) week prior to critique to ensure everyone has time to read and annotate work.
Upload your work to the shared Google Drive folder.
Limit your submissions to 10 pages, 12 point font, double spaced.

About the Instructor

Karyssa Newsome is a San Diego native and Alum of San Diego State University. She graduated with honors from the School of Arts and Letters with a Bachelors in English and minor in Digital and Social Media Studies. An avid reader and persistent writer for most of her life, she now works in the sphere of equitable education and literacy for all. In 2025 she founded Erudite, a literacy initiative dedicated to inspiring empathy and championing literacy in our communities. In her spare time she enjoys roller skating down the boardwalk, listening to music, and sharing delicious meals with friends.