In an interview, Stephen Millhauser once spoke of “the blazing thing that deserves the name of reality.” In this workshop, each of you will be encouraged to go in search of your own “blazing thing.” In addition to workshop critique, the class will offer craft lectures/lessons; discussions about process and practice; and generative exercises, so you depart with new work underway and a sharper understanding of your ambitions as a writer—and how to move towards realizing those ambitions. Craft subjects will range from time to imagination to the use of objects, aided by writers such as Julio Cortázar, Edwidge Danticat, Alexander Chee, and Tania James. The course will conclude with one-on-one phone calls with the instructor.