A NOTE FROM A STUDENT:
Dear Professor Balderston,
I hope this message finds you well. As I prepare to transfer from Point Loma Nazarene University, I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for all that you have done for me during my time here.
Looking back on my experience at PLNU, I can honestly say that I have grown in ways I never anticipated. Much of that growth is due to the guidance, encouragement, and knowledge you have shared with me throughout this course and I learned so much about the different lives individuals can lead through the plays we read. Through thought-provoking lectures, insightful feedback, or the genuine care you’ve shown for the classes’ overall success, you’ve had a profound impact on my academic journey. I have not truly appreciated the work and thought that goes into a play and now I know.
I am deeply appreciative of the time and effort you invested in my development, both as a student and as an individual. The lessons I’ve learned in your class and the skills I’ve gained will undoubtedly serve me as I continue my academic and professional journey.
Thank you for your support, your kindness, and your dedication. I will carry everything I’ve learned here at PLNU with me, and I’ll always look back on my time in your class with gratitude.
Wishing you all the best in your future endeavors. Merry Christmas!!
Sincerely,
Olivia Galindo
Applied Health Science
2028
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A NOTE FROM A STUDENT
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After a fun Fall Semester analyzing a variety of plays, my ENG 2000 students enjoyed a special treat this evening. The class heard from the wonderfully talented playwright, Salomon Maya, as our Guest Speaker to end the term. Thank you, Salomon, for an educational, entertaining session AND “thank you” students for a terrific semester!
Another semester has come and gone at Point Loma Nazarene University. Although I enjoyed teaching two of my usual writing courses, my literature classes (Literature & Culture – Analysis of Dramatic Writing as Literature, Literature & Culture – Play/Musical Appreciation AND Diverse Voices from Around the World) were phenomenal. Our class discussions tied the various texts to culture, religion, racism, politics and AI – and how we feel about all of it. It was a wild ride! My bright, thoughtful, inquisitive students at PLNU give me hope that their generation will do great things.
Above: Literature & Culture – Dramatic Writing
Above: Literature 3050 – Diverse Voices from Around the World
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STAYING IN TOUCH WITH STUDENTS AFTER GRADUATION: (Image #1 – Lunch at Lolita’s & Image #2 Student attends one of my plays.)
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Although it’s enjoyable to be in front of the class, there are times when one-on-one conversations with students about their progress in class is equally as enjoyable. Before and after office hours, my door tends to be open for any previous/current students who wants to stop by for a chat.
Below: Our class enjoyed Guest Speaker, John Wells III, as he talked about operating a theatre, the writing process as a playwright and the secrets of his success.
Lisa Balderston is an adjunct professor at Point Loma Nazarene University in the Department of Literature, Journalism, Writing, and Languages. She enjoys teaches writing and literature courses.
FA 2022 – WRI 1010 (College Composition) & WRI 1016 (College Composition: Research) Courses (PLNU)
It’s always nice to have conversations with student after class.
SP 2023 – LIT 2000 (Literature & Culture): Plays and Musicals (PLNU)
https://www.pointloma.edu/faculty/lisa-balderston-ma
SAN DIEGO MIRAMAR COLLEGE: Employed as a Supplemental Instruction Leader, Instructional Assistant and English Center Tutor during Spring 2018, Fall 2018, Spring 2019, Fall 2019.
As a Miramar College English Center SIL and IA, the positions involved working with community college English and ESOL students inside and outside the classroom. This effort involved assisting as an embedded tutor in a course of developmental or transfer-level English, or ESOL, and as a tutor in the English Center, the college’s English tutoring center.
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CREATIVE WRITING 101: (Volunteer Instructor)
Course: Creative Writing 101
Instructor: Lisa Balderston
Location: Jewish Family Services – San Diego
Class Session: Every other Wednesday / 10:30-12:00 (1.5 hours per session)
Course Description: In this introductory course students will learn the elements of effective prose – from plot and setting to characters and imagery – to create vivid and engaging short stories or essays. To sharpen writing skills and strengthen their understanding of the craft, each student will engage in both writing practice, reading assignments and workshop activities.
Course Objectives:
- To understand the writing process involved in producing polished prose, including drafting, revising, and editing.
- To correctly identify the basic elements of fiction.
- To produce edited, polished works of fiction.
- To be introduced to the creative writing workshop and portfolio methods.
Course Outcomes:
- Be familiar with the craft elements of creative writing, including plot. scene, characters, point-of-view, dialogue, imagery, and other elements of literary prose.
- Recognize and explain key features in fiction.
Creative Writing Topics:
- Lesson 1: Elements of a Story
- Lesson 2: Details & Descriptions
- Lesson 3: POV & Character Development
- Lesson 4: Showing vs Telling
- Lesson 5: Plot Structure
- Lesson 6: Dialogue
- Lesson 7: Review & Review/ Workshop Your Work!
- Lesson 8: Selling creative fiction (crafting your query letter)
- Lesson 9: How to appeal to publishers/Best resources to get published
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LISA BALDERSTON 