What is Creative Writing?

Creative Writing is a class where students can explore the techniques writers all around the world use when writing the stories we love. In this class, students get to listen to their peer’s stories for inspiration while also learning about writing techniques through John Truby’s Anatomy of Story as they create their own stories for the world.

As the years pass by, the class has gone through many reformations. What started out as comparing works between peers has now become an activity called “Model-Text Analyses” where students can really dig into each other’s works to find out the style and ask questions about why they chose to include certain components. Posters are also made in order to visually express what they have learned; after all, a picture can speak a thousand words. Throughout the school year, students will be given the opportunity to write three short stories with the chance to qualify HIS Writes, the school’s annual writing competition. 

How Can I Join?

Creative Writing is a class that was founded and taught by Mr. Pangier, a teacher who loves to express the joy of reading and writing. In past years, the class included both middle and high school students who would either work solo or in groups in order to create fascinating stories. The class can be counted as an art credit which would be needed if a student decides to graduate at HIS. It also provides an opportunity for students to showcase their creativity and storytelling skills. No matter the level of skill, all are welcome to attend and write to their heart’s content while mastering the art of “Truby” and answering the question of “what makes a good story?”

Interview With Members

Mr. Pangier (Teacher of the Class)

What Type of Class is Creative Writing?

A place to refine your pallet for storytelling and an avenue to bring your creativity to the public eye.

In Your Opinion, What is the Best Part About Creative Writing?

Humans were made to create and creations were made for humanity. When we write, and create characters that birth worlds, we understand more about ourselves and the world we were born into. 

What are the Main Topics that Would be Taught Inside this Class?

John Truby's The Anatomy of Story is the centerpiece of knowledge, but knowledge should be acted upon. In this class, students have many opportunities to create forward-facing writing — analytical articles examining good storytelling, instructive Instagram Carousels, and, naturally, compelling stories that move people to feel and think a certain way. At the heart of humanity is this deep desire to better ourselves and our world. This class is as much about understanding ourselves and humanity as it is about learning how to write. 

Do You Have Any Words for Students Who May Be Looking to Join?

If you love to read and write, to create something special—and think storytelling is one of the most important things out there—then this class is for you.

Roman Constantine (Student of the Class)

What Type of Class is Creative Writing?

I would consider Creative Writing a language arts class as it teaches you how to write stories effectively.

In Your Opinion, What is the Best Part About Creative Writing?

Of the three parts of Mr. Pangier’s Creative Writing class, the best part is easily the story writing part. I joined to get my ideas out there and learning how to put those ideas on paper has been a tremendous help. (It's also been a help in developing my own stories.)

Do You Have Any Words for Students Who May Be Looking to Join?

Be prepared for some unexpected Publication elements in the class! I was very surprised by the Model Text Analysis and the Instagram Carousel! While both of these may seem a little tedious, they overall help with your own story, which is the most important part. If you want to really get your ideas out there on writing, I implore you to join the Creative Writing class!

So...what are you waiting for? Roman implores you. The world is waiting to read your story! Humanity, after all, is shaped by humans telling other humans stories. What's story will you tell?