(PHOENIX, Ariz., Dec. 17, 2004) - From Writing the Mystery Story to Intermediate Writing Children's Literature, Phoenix College is drumming up an array of interest with its unique offering of creative writing classes for the Spring semester.

Whether a serious writer or just new to writing, the Phoenix College Creative Writing Program has a course that will fit virtually every need. See a sample of Spring creative writing courses below.

Intermediate Screenwriting (CRW 290)
Wednesdays - 6 p.m. - 9:20 p.m.
Begins Jan. 19

Calling all Screenwriters! Do you have a script that you have begun but have not finished? Have you finished a script but are unhappy with it or not sure what is wrong? Intermediate Screenwriting will concentrate on writing scenes and will combine a workshop approach with a more focused look on several key elements in screenwriting.

Topics in Writing Fiction: Writing the Romance Story (CRW 271 section 5962 )
Wednesdays - 6 p.m. - 8:40 p.m.
Begins Jan 19

The romance genre accounts for more than 50 percent of all books sold, proving that every story benefits from a love interest. This course will cover the skills of weaving characterization and plot to develop believable and compelling chemistry between characters. Considerable class time will be devoted to developing depth in character interaction and in actual writing. Both short story and novel writers will benefit from these techniques. This class is taught by Connie Flynn, award-winning author of ten romantic novels that include comedy, suspense and paranormal elements. For more information on Connie Flynn, please visit her web site at www.connieflynn.com.

Topics in Writing Fiction -- Writing the Page Turner (CRW 271 section 5964)
Thursdays - 6 p.m. - 8:40 p.m.
Begins Jan 20

Students will learn that suspense isn't limited to mysteries, thrillers and horror stories and why every story benefits when the outcome isn't fully predictable. This course covers the way character motivation and story conflict drive a story and explores how prose itself can add or detract from suspense. Considerable class time will be spent on actual writing and students will share their work as they go along. This class is taught by Connie Flynn, award-winning author of ten romantic novels that include comedy, suspense and paranormal elements. For more information on Connie Flynn, please visit her web site at www.connieflynn.com.

Writing the Mystery Story (CRW 242AL)
Thursdays - 6p.m. - 8:40 p.m.
Begins Jan. 20

Writing a Mystery Story, which debuted last Spring, will give a general history and overview of the mystery and crime story. The course will cover, in considerable depth, all the basic fictional techniques, as well as stress a lot of one-on-one work with writers. Students will produce two short stories and at least one revision. Writing a Mystery Story will be taught by a highly respected novelist and critic, James Sallis, who has published more than two dozen books. He also writes regular columns for the Boston Globe and other publications. For more information on James Sallis, please visit his web site at www.jamessallis.com.

Intermediate Writing Children's Literature (CRW 220)
Mondays/Wednesdays - 12 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Begins Jan. 24

This entertaining class will focus on writing literature for children in 4th grade through high school. Participants will work with both fiction and nonfiction, as they plan for a middle-grade novel and a nonfiction book. Class exercises will evolve into scenes, sections and chapters for those books; however, students will not be expected to complete an entire book during the semester. Topics will include types and genres of fiction and nonfiction for this age group; developing voice, style and structure; revision techniques; and marketing.

Intermediate Fiction Writing (CRW 270)
Mondays - 6 p.m. - 8:40 p.m.
Begins Jan. 24

Intermediate Fiction Writing is a class for writers who are interested in refining their craft. Take your writing to the next level! Here is an opportunity to write a series of original short stories, analyze established works of fiction and revise your own short stories under the guidance of highly respected novelist and critic James Sallis, who has published more than two dozen books. He also writes regular columns for the Boston Globe and other publications. For more information on James Sallis, please visit his web site at www.jamessallis.com.

Musical Elements of Poetry (CRW 242AH)
Tuesdays - 6 p.m. - 9:20 p.m.
Begins Feb. 8

Poet and musician, Jed Allen, will offer a Musical Elements of Poetry class this Spring, which will focus on the musical elements of language and how these techniques can be exercised in the writing of poems. Students will have an opportunity to explore the elements of rhythm, rhyme, line breaks, poetic forms and the oral presentation of poetry. Additionally, students will have a chance to showcase their work in a public reading at Phoenix College in May.

For more information on the Creative Writing Program or classes, please call (602) 285-7468 or (602) 285-7345.

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