Novel Generator Instructors (Spring & Fall)
Instructor Statement – Spring Novel Generator
"Toni Morrison said, 'If there's a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it.' A copy of this quote lives by my work desk, and every writer—wherever you are in your career—should take it to heart. As a teacher, I understand how rewarding and difficult it is to meet yourself on the page. I want to help my students find the right combination of kindness, ambition, motivation, and audacity to tell the stories that they must bring into the world. It’s not about perfection, but curiosity and, honestly, vibes. We’ll work together to hone our storytelling intuition, control the volume of our inner editor, and create a craft toolbox to use or discard as our process develops. I believe in a classroom built on honesty and kindness—we can leave 'nice' outside the door—especially when the work becomes challenging. Most of all, I am here to offer gentle support, encouragement, and a firm shove when necessary. Writing is hard, but we’ll make it through together."
About the Instructor
Brittany N. Williams is an award-nominated actress and the award-nominated author of the YA historical fantasy trilogy The Forge & Fracture Saga. She holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Howard University (HU, You Know) and an MA in Classical Acting from the Royal Central School of Speech & Drama (Carrie Fisher’s alma mater for 18 months). Brittany has performed across three continents—including a year spent as a principal vocalist at Hong Kong Disneyland—and her writing has been featured on the Hugo-nominated culture site Black Nerd Problems, Reactor Magazine, in The Indypendent, The Gambit, Fireside Magazine, and in the Star Wars anthology From a Certain Point of View: The Empire Strikes Back. You can find her on Twitter and Instagram at @BrittanyActs and at brittanynwilliams.com.
Instructor Statement – Fall Novel Generator
"Writing is building: a story, a relationship, an emotional response, curiosity, freedom. It takes effort and perseverance. At times it’s messy and lonely, and then there are times when it’s beautiful and fulfilling. The process might take a while (maybe even years!), but you can take steps to ensure your success along the way and at the end. Taking a writing class is more than just receiving feedback on your work (though a critical part of it). It’s also meeting other writers who understand what you’re trying to do, learning from people who are different from you, and deepening your knowledge together on craft such as characterization, point of view, pacing, worldbuilding, and story structure to build out your writer’s toolkit. Students in a writing class inspire each other to keep writing and the teacher gives you the space and tools to do so. Together we’re building a shared writing community to write our way to success."
About the Instructor
A Taiwanese American writer of speculative fiction ranging from flash to novel length. Katherine's stories have been published in GASHER Journal, Flora Fiction, Blind Corner, and others. She has an MFA from Emerson College.