Department of English

This special section of English 115 (Advanced Fiction Writing) will provide serious fiction writers the opportunity to envision their own work from both sides of the editorial desk. The class will feature face-to-face visits with editors from four contemporary literary magazines, both established and emerging. During these classroom visits, students will have a chance to pick an editor's brain about his/her magazine's philosophy and agenda, and to learn about the challenges of editing and producing a literary magazine in the 21st century.

Throughout the semester, students will write and present their own short stories for class critique (approximately 30-45 pages total). There will be some potential opportunity to workshop student stories during the editors' visiting days. Students will also write informal weekly responses to class readings. The reading list will consist of the content of the chosen magazines.

This class is open to students who have completed English 112 and/or English 115, and others on a case-by-case basis. To be considered for admission to this class, please send a sample of your recent literary fiction and a brief statement explaining your interests in writing literary fiction. Email to: krile@writing.upenn.edu.