This is a fiction writing workshop for students who want to 1.) focus on crafting believable characters and 2.) create a structure in which these characters work out some essential conflict. Since good writing is entwined with reading, we’ll look at and discuss fiction by Richard Wright, Sandra Cisneros, Dennis Lahane, Jimin Han and Anzia Yezierska (as well as handouts by Lillian Rubin and Michael Duneier) and put their techniques to use in exercises and assignments. We’ll study how these writers use fiction to shine a light on issues of class, race and gender, and, in doing so, learn important aspects of storytelling: trajectory, intention, point-of-view, perspective and images. The individual assignments can be woven together to craft a longer piece. Inspired by master writers, we will explore the context and form of your own ideas. This Riggio Writing & Democracy Honors course is open to all undergraduate students.