Pirates Log

Issue date: 2/22/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Jose Alvarez

Anyone who has tried to live the dream of being a successful writer knows that it is a challenge to find someone who will give you honest and constructive criticism without being harsh or hurtful. Without a person who can read your work and tell you what you needs to improve on, becoming either too self-assured or unsure of yourself are easy pitfalls.

Thankfully, MJC has a class that offers a remedy to this debilitating issue. Currently offered only during the spring semester, the Creative Writing: Short Story class provides writers with the opportunity to learn what makes a story good and to grow in their skill. Besides the reading of exemplary, published short fiction, each student participates in a forum in which they read several stories written by their peers and give advice and ideas on how to correct the issues in each piece, as well as having their own work critiqued.

"This class is immediately interesting and your writing will improve, as will your grasp of short story construction," said Geoff Davis, one of the students enrolled.

The class instructor is Dimitri Keriotis, who has a strong love for the art of writing that becomes obvious during the class. He also teaches English 101 and 103, as well as doing his own writing outside of class. The student writers have responded to his teaching and comments, growing and maturing in the art of writing.

"Keriotis knows how to engage you as a student and a writer. He pulls good writing out of you," said Peter Said.

Keriotis is also pushing to have the Creative Writing class offered both semesters, as interest in the class was enormous, easily passing the 35-student limit and then waitlisted. At the same time, the workload for the class is serious, with students responsible for a review and run through of the story reviewed each week, and many of the students have dropped, leaving roughly 25. Those still enrolled have benefited from the reduced reading time required, allowing for more discussion of fewer stories each week.

"I really enjoy the workshop process because it not only helps me know what I need to work on, but it helps others too," said Yvonne De La Cruz.

Recently, Keriotis told the class about the Celebration of the Humanities Contest held every spring at Modesto Junior College, encouraging them to enter the Short Story category and find out how much their writing has benefited from the work shopping and insight of the other students. While the contest isn't a central focus of the class, it was suggested as another challenge for the students to strive for.

Overall, the class is of tremendous benefit to those who put the time in and made sure to buckle down and be willing to grow and accept change, to better their writing. Each writer has gone through the workshop once by now, and each has had their writing critiqued honestly and for the better of his or her talent.

"It's been a wonderful experience meeting so many writers who are passionate about their craft," said Anne Engerit.

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