Instructor: JOHNNY WORTHEN

JOHNNY WORTHEN

JOHNNY WORTHEN is an award-winning, multi-genre, hybrid, tie-dye-wearing author, voyager, and darn fine human being! Trained in literary criticism and cultural studies he earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from the University of Utah. Beyond English on a good day, he speaks Danish and reads Latin. He is a Utah Writer of the Year.
An avowed Deconstructionist, Johnny writes up-market stories from the inside out, beginning with theme and pursuing an idea through whatever genre will best serve it. So far he has published fiction novels as mystery, young adult, comedy, urban fantasy, horror and science fiction, both traditionally and independently.
A frequent presenter and panelist at writing conferences and fan conventions, he is active in local communities of artists and writers. A long-time volunteer for the League of Utah Writers, the state's oldest and largest writing organization, he has served several high positions of leadership there, including President from 2018-2020.
When not writing his own stuff, Johnny edits professionally for a small dark fiction press in Los Angeles and teaches Creative Writing at the University of Utah as an Associate Instructor. He lives in Sandy, Utah with his wife, sons and cats. There's also a lawn.

What Students are Saying:

"Johnny was the perfect writing instructor. He provided great information and structure to start on a novel. And he created an awesome atmosphere where everyone could share their ideas and drafts and receive feedback and support from him and classmates. I would recommend this class to anyone from a serious writer to someone who's just curious." - Katherine N.

"This was the first writing class I've ever taken and was really impressed. Johnny Worthen had a lot of straightforward really good information and tips and delivered them with infectious energy and humor. The online format actually worked very well and I never felt intimidated or shy about sharing my ideas or writing homework. I am really impressed with how much I learned in this class. I went in with just a vague idea for a novel and left 7 weeks later with a complete outline, practice in writing clues, scenes and dialogue, and the feeling that I can actually do this! I am now two chapters in and starting to feel like an actual writer!" - Laura H.

"Very informative. This class is a safe environment to explore your own thoughts and brainstorming and writing. We did 2 minute writing exercises. Johnny creates a fun comedic class full of information about various aspects of writing for any genre. Highly recommend"
-Cinnamon J.

"Johnny is a great teacher. We knew what to expect for every class and the feedback he had was really useful. 10/10"
-Carolina C.

"Johnny was a fantastic instructor and I really enjoyed this course. I came into this class with zero creative writing experience and now feel confident that I have the tools to start my next project - whether it be a short story, novella, or novel. Awesome experience!"
-Sarah S.

"Johnny's teaching style embraces all levels of writers, and invites students to push their own boundaries in both writing and reading other writers. I highly recommend this class!"
-Robin P.

JOHNNY WORTHEN is currently teaching:

Class Title	Semester	Date(s)	Program
Creative Writing	Spring	1/14/25 - 2/18/25	Lifelong Learning
Creative Writing II	Spring	3/04/25 - 4/08/25	Lifelong Learning
Literary Querying	Spring	1/11/25 - 1/25/25	Lifelong Learning
Zen Lessons for Writers	Spring	3/15/25 - 3/29/25	Lifelong Learning