By Jeanne Gowen Dennis
2010 FCWC Faculty
When I told a beginning writer that I’m teaching a continuing class at the Florida Christian Writers Conference called Beyond Words: Writing Great Prose, she said, “Prose? That’s poetry that doesn’t rhyme, right?”
Wrong. Prose is language without meter or rhyme—ordinary language. However, I hope by the end of our six hours together your writing will be anything but ordinary.
We’ll examine examples of excellent prose and explore how we can make our words sing by employing the art, life, meaning, and truth inherent in language. Our in-class writing exercises should be fun, as well, and will help us all grow as writers.
Speaking of words that sing, I’ll also be leading two night-owl sessions for songwriters. On Friday and Saturday nights, we’ll discuss the art of songwriting and the elements that make great songs. Feel free to bring along your own songs, melodies, and lyrics. We’ll critique and encourage one another and maybe do a little jamming and praise singing, as well.
I’m looking forward to meeting new writers, renewing old acquaintances, and hugging old friends. If you’re still undecided about attending, don’t miss it. This is going to be a great conference with something for everyone—whether you knew the definition of prose or not.
Jeanne, I've missed you and I LOVE the new (to me, anyway) look. I'm looking forward to seeing you at FCWC. I'm definitely a night owl--not so sure about the songwriting but it's certainly something to consider. What a clever, innovative idea!
ReplyDeleteAnd BTW as a proponent of creative nonfiction (which I'm sure your prose class will cover), I'd say your newbie friend wasn't far off in her assessment after all.