Creative Writing Program
Our creative writing courses focus on fiction, poetry, and narrative nonfiction (memoir). We aim to foster a deep appreciation and understanding of the narrative craft and to help you achieve goals related to your writing.
- Each professor within the discipline is a published author or creative offering a variety of writerly skillsets.
- Classes are designed to fit busy schedules.
- Become part of a long-term and supportive community of writers.
- Personal expression and identity are valued and supported in coursework.
The Creative Writing Certificate
Earning LACC’s Creative Writing Certificate demands an additional commitment to coursework over a prolonged period of time. We welcome writers of all genres, whether you work in prose or poetry, science fiction or magical realism, or memoir or crime fiction. We are also happy to assist connecting you to coursework within the Theater and Cinema/TV departments for performance-based writing.
- You will be expected to complete three required courses over a year-long period at the minimum.
- Your instructors will focus on the mechanical nature of writing, helping you develop the skills to plan, execute, and revise your work.
- You will develop an understanding of your readership and create text that meaningfully connects with an audience.
The certificate of achievement in Creative Writing can further develop your resume, and the department is currently developing a full associate degree.
Our Creative Writing Certificate Courses
Transfer Credit: CSU, UC
Students will explore and deepen their understanding of the creation of short form prose works, typically called Short Stories. Students will learn the foundational mechanisms of short prose through the engagement of professionally published prose from accomplished authors across a variety of times, locations, and themes. Students will develop the skills in the writing of short fi ction, focusing on character, narrative development, voice, style, and revision.
Offered every fall semester
Transfer Credit: CSU, UC, C-ID (ENGLISH 200 or ENGL-CW 100)
Prerequisite: ENGLISH 102
Students receive intensive training in writing poetry, prose fiction, and/or playwriting. Students compose works that are discussed as part of instruction, supplemented by examples of published writers and theoretical essays on the creative process.
Transfer Credit: CSU, UC
Prerequisite: ENGLISH 127
Students receive advanced, intensive training in writing poetry, prose fiction, and/or playwriting. Students compose works that are discussed as part of instruction, supplemented by examples of published writers and theoretical essays on the creative process. This course directly builds upon the skillsets established in English 127, providing emphasis on revision and expansion of work.
Faculty Spotlight:
John Lynch
English 240: Literature and the Motion Picture
Summer 2024: Section 11993 (taught asynchronously on Canvas)
John Lynch came to Los Angeles through his graduate studies in creative writing at Boston's Emerson College. After working on television shows (That 70's Show and Third Rock From the Sun), he now focuses on teaching and writing/directing films. His short films have won him numerous screenplay and directing awards.
"My goal is to get our student writing published or produced. I love to share my experience on the actual business of selling/publishing your work in and out of Hollywood."
LACC Creative Writing Club
Created by Student Writers for Student Writers!
The CWC is a safe, welcoming, creative space where writers can get feedback on their writing, meet other writers, and strengthen their creativity.
For Spring 2024, we will meet every Friday from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM in JH 315 starting Feb. 23rd.
- Share work with others
- Snacks
- Creative writing activities
- Mingle
For more info, contact Faculty Advisor, John Lynch: lynchjj@lacitycollege.edu.
Calling Student Writers!
Each spring, English & ESL Department holds an annual writing contest for all LACC students. Students are invited to submit original work in three categories: short stories, poetry, and ESL writing.
The Citadel is a creative literary journal published annually by the English & ESL Department. It welcomes submissions from student writers as well as works from the broader community.
English & ESL Department
Office Hours and Location
Mondays to Thursdays: 8:00AM - 4:00PM
Fridays to Sundays: Closed
We are located on the 3rd Floor of Jefferson Hall in room JH 301.
Contact
Jeffrey M. Nishimura, Department Chair
Email: @email
Phone: (323) 953-4000 ext. 2706
The Chair usually attends meetings in the afternoon, so please call before you come.
Jasminee Haywood-Daley, Secretary
Email: @email
Phone: (323) 953-4000 ext. 2700