About Our Program

About the Creative Writing Program

MISSION STATEMENT

The Creative Writing Program at Grossmont College fosters the development of creative writers at all skill levels in a supportive, professional, and dynamic atmosphere. It is our mission to serve and engage students, faculty, and the community actively through a rich variety of readings and other literary events that are always free and open to the public. The Creative Writing Program seeks to cultivate a diverse literary community and to celebrate and promote literature and its vital role in our culture.

INTRODUCTION

PROGRAM-LEVEL STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (PSLOs)

After completing two or more creative writing courses a student will:

Create literary works, employing the elements appropriate to one or more chosen genres, in an authorial voice that demonstrates authenticity, aesthetic ability, and literary sensibility.
Practice–at a high level of efficiency–the habits of a writer, including frequent writing, revising, and reflecting.
Read and infer like a writer, that is, recognize and analyze the dynamic relationship between content and form in the literary works of classic, contemporary, and new literary voices.
Use skills as a critic to contribute to and benefit from a writers’ workshop.
Value and support the local and greater writing community through attendance and/or participation in various literary arts activities and performances.

WHY TAKE A CREATIVE WRITING CLASS?

There are as many good reasons to enroll in a Creative Writing class as there are stories and voices to share, but participating in the structured and nurturing environment of our classes helps you

discover and cultivate your voice in a supportive atmosphere;
study the craft of fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and/or drama writing with diverse, experienced and qualified instructors;
share your writing with a variety of writers in dynamic writers’ workshops where you will receive excellent constructive feedback;
work extensively in one genre for up to four semesters;
learn how to screen, organize, and submit work for publication: the Acorn Review, as well as national and international literary journals;
refine your writing for submission to a publication or a Master of Fine Arts program;
apply units towards professional development;
become actively involved in the greater San Diego literary arts community;
form lasting connections and friendships with fellow writers.

COURSES

All courses focus on the reading of established, contemporary and emerging authors, and provide the opportunity for extensive feedback on original work, attendance of literary events, publication in the college literary journal, Community Service Learning, and participation in student readings.

^†Courses marked with this symbol are not offered every semester. Check the current Class Schedule for course availability.

INTRODUCTION TO CREATIVE WRITING

ENGLISH 126

Introduction to the basic elements of fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and drama writing, including study and analysis of techniques in works by diverse writers. Practice in writing in the four genres as well as introduction to the workshop method. Transfers to CSU, UC.

SHORT FICTION WRITING I-IV

ENGLISH 130-131-132-133

A four-course sequence of workshops focused on the study, analysis, and application of fundamental tools, techniques, and forms used by diverse authors of short fiction. Transfers to CSU, UC (credit limited).

CREATIVE NONFICTION WRITING I-IV^†

ENGLISH 134-135-136-137

A four-course sequence of writers’ workshops offering study, analysis, and application of forms used by diverse creative nonfiction practitioners, including memoir, the personal essay, literary journalism, cultural criticism, and others. Transfers to CSU, UC (credit limited).

POETRY WRITING I-IV

ENGLISH 140-141-142-143

A four-course writers’ workshop to develop poets’ skills as writers and critics of contemporary poetry; includes the study, analysis, and application of the poetic tools, techniques, and forms of poetry. Transfers to CSU, UC (credit limited).

ACORN REVIEW EDITING AND PRODUCTION I-IV^†

ENGLISH 145-146-147-148

A four-course practicum in reading, selecting, editing, proofreading and arranging manuscripts for publication in the campus’s official literary journal. Transfers to CSU (credit limited)

DRAMA WRITING I-IV^†

ENGLISH 160-161-162-163

A four-course script writer’s workshop for the composition and revision of writing intended for dramatic production; includes analysis of genre, structure, dramaturgy, and style. Opportunities to participate in local productions. Transfers to CSU, UC (credit limited).

NOVEL WRITING I-IV

ENGLISH 175-176-177-178

Repeatable writers workshop focused on the composition and revision of novels and other long-form writing, as well as an analysis of construction, character development, plot outline, scenes, and themes. Transfers to CSU, UC (credit limited).

DEGREE CERTIFICATE WITH CREATIVE WRITING EMPHASIS

Grossmont College is one of the few community colleges in California to offer an Associate Degree with an English major that fulfills lower division requirements at most four-year colleges and universities and thus provides a broad-based foundation for transfer.

Any student who completes 24 units in the courses for this major, and chooses to complete 6 additional units from our Creative Writing Program's upper-level workshop courses (see below), qualifies for a Certificate of Achievement in English–Creative Writing. An official request must be filed with the Admissions and Records Office prior to the deadline as stated in the Academic Calendar. Note: All courses must be completed with a letter grade of “C” or higher.

^{Qualifying courses and workshops for a degree certificate in Creative Writing:}

^{Select SIX (6) additional units from the following:}
Units	Course Number	Course Title
3	English 130	Short Fiction Writing I
3	English 131	Short Fiction Writing II
3	English 132	Short Fiction Writing III
3	English 133	Short Fiction Writing IV
3	English 134	Creative Nonfiction Writing I
3	English 135	Creative Nonfiction Writing II
3	English 136	Creative Nonfiction Writing III
3	English 137	Creative Nonfiction Writing IV
3	English 140	Poetry Writing I
3	English 141	Poetry Writing II
3	English 142	Poetry Writing III
3	English 143	Poetry Writing IV
3	English 145	Acorn Review: Editing and Production I
3	English 146	Acorn Review: Editing and Production II
3	English 147	Acorn Review: Editing and Production III
3	English 148	Acorn Review: Editing and Production IV
3	English 160	Drama Writing I
3	English 161	Drama Writing II
3	English 162	Drama Writing III
3	English 163	Drama Writing IV
3	English 175	Novel Writing I
3	English 176	Novel Writing II
3	English 177	Novel Writing III
3	English 178	Novel Writing IV

24 units for English Major plus 6 units needed to earn Creative Writing Certificate, 30 units total (plus General Education and Elective requirements)

FACULTY

JULIE CARDENAS

Sacramento native Julie Cardenas co-coordinates Grossmont College’s Puente Program and teaches Creative Writing and Chicano literature. She also serves as advisor to the student-produced literary journal, Acorn Review, for which she also teaches English 145-148: Acorn Review: Editing and Production. Julie holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Spanish from California State University, Sacramento, and a Master’s Degree in English from the University of San Diego. In addition to having served as the faculty advisor of a college newspaper for two years before coming to Grossmont, she edited a variety of professional newsletters and trade journals. Her writing career includes the publication of news and feature articles, poetry, and short fiction.

ENRIQUE CERVANTES

Fiction writer, poet, San Diego native, and former Grossmont College student, Enrique Cervantes holds a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from San Diego State University. Enrique’s writing has appeared in Aztec Literary Review,The Writer, The Blue Agave Literary Journal, San Diego City Beat, as well as the anthology The Far East: Everything Just As It Is. His novel-in-progress is about dancing, the border, and ghosts. Enrique leads the Short Fiction Writing workshops during the fall semester.

ADAM DEUTSCH

Adam Deutsch is the author of Every Transmission (Fernwood Press). He has work recently in Poetry International, Autocorrect, Puerto Del Sol, Alchemy, Broken Lens Journal, and South Dakota Review, and has a chapbook called Carry On (Elegies). Adam Co-Coordinates the Grossmont College English Department's Creative Writing Program and is the publisher of Cooper Dillon Books. He lives with his spouse and child in San Diego, CA. Website: AdamDeutsch.com

RICH FARRELL

Rich Farrell is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and earned a Master of Fine Arts in Writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts. In addition to leading workshops on narrative for San Diego Writers, Ink, he is the Creative Non-Fiction Editor at upstreet and a Senior Editor at Numéro Cinq. His work, including fiction, memoir, essays, interviews and book reviews, has appeared, or is forthcoming, in Potomac Review, Hunger Mountain, New Plains Review, upstreet, Descant, Contrary, Newfound, Numéro Cinq, and elsewhere. His first novel, The Falling Woman (Algonquin Books), was released in 2020. Rich leads the Novel Writing workshops and Creative Nonfiction workshops on alternating semesters. Website: RichardFarrell.net

KARL SHERLOCK

Karl teaches English 140-143: Poetry Writing during the spring semesters. A twice-named "Best of the Net" finalist, his queer and disability themed poetry and literary nonfiction appear in journals and anthologies such as Broken Lens, The Ending Hasn't Happened Yet, Lime Hawk, Marrow, Neologism, New Feathers, RockPaperPoem, Stoneboat, West Trade Review, Wordgathering, and others. His debut chapbook collection of poems, A Longer Word Than Sorrow (River Paw Press), will be published in 2027 and explores ecopoetics and personal themes of queerness, disability, and loss.

DANIELA SOW

Daniela co-coordinates the Grossmont College Creative Writing Program and teaches English 126: Creative Writing. She received her Master’s of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing (Poetry) from San Diego State University. As a spoken word artist, Daniela has competed in the National Poetry Slam. Her poetry has been published in Mixed Asian Media, The Plentitudes Journal, The Hyacinth Review, and elsewhere. Half Moon Rising, her debut poetry collection, was published in 2024 (Kelsay Books) and sheds light on family, mixed race identity, legacy, healing, and more. Website: DanielaSow.com

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES

Students enrolled in our Program's coursework, especially those working toward a Certificate in Creative Writing, have access to opportunities to showcase their original work and cultivate their writing aspirations.

Creative Writing Scholarships

Students who are enrolled in the Creative Writing Program's classes who aspire to a vocation in writing can apply for the Creative Writing Scholarship, a competitive funding opportunity that awards $500 to a recipient each year. Qualified and deserving applicants who are taking at least one workshop or course offered within our Creative Writing Program must submit an application and personal essay. Creative Writing Scholarship awardees are further considered for opportunities to present themselves and their writing at events such as the Literary Arts Festival or the New Voices Student Reading. For more information about this and other scholarship opportunities at Grossmont College, visit foundation.gcccd.edu/scholarships.

New Voices Student Reading

The semesterly student reading is a Grossmont College tradition that is almost as old as the college, itself. At the end of each semester, our Creative Writing Program faculty select students from their courses who have composed stand-out original works, and invite them to participate in an evening of readings. The event is free of charge as well as open to the public, and students typically invite family members, friends, instructors and peers, making it one of the more popular literary events. During the spring semester, the New Voices reading is included in our Literary Arts Festival program, permitting students a rare opportunity to be showcased in the same events calendars as nationally and internationally recognized poets and writers. The event features a New Voices booklet containing the printed versions of their works that let audiences read along and participating students take home a keepsake of the evening. Students selected for inclusion in the New Voices program are invited to submit their work to our campus literary journal, Acorn Review, produced and edited by students under the advisorship of Creative Writing Program faculty member, Julie Cardenas.

Specialty Readings and Events

Our Creative Writing Program often collaborates with other campus agencies, programs, student organizations, or clubs to offer special events for which students are selected to participate as presenters or readers. These are often occasional events or themed readings for which select students may be privately invited to participate. Some past examples:

African American Read-in (Black History Month)
At Rise! Student One-Act Dramas (Literary Arts Fest)
Celebration of Banned Books (Fall Readings Series)
Literary Careers Night (student-organized special event)
Sounds of Solidarity (Student Empowerment Organization)
Student Slam Competition (Literary Arts Festival)
Why Literature Matters (Literary Arts Festival)

Other Opportunities

Enrolled Creative Writing students frequently have behind-the-scenes access to the organization and staging of our literary events, but they also receive invitations to craft lectures, master classes, and workshops not available to the public: the award-winning poets and authors featured in our Fall Readings Series or Literary Arts Festival mentor students about their own writing, discuss their craft as writers in a more intimate venue, and provide other inspiring learning opportunities that can only come through directly engaging with living authors.