Creative Writing

The course is an opportunity to commit to your project whilst also being fun. 
This is for you if:

• you have an idea for a story you want to explore, have written a few chapters, or completed a first draft you want to develop 

• you struggle to find the time to write on your own 

• you benefit from working to deadlines

• you enjoy writing and are looking to find a story to tell

On this course, you will:

• Learn how to structure your story and scenes

• Create characters your readers engage with

• Receive clear, in-depth explanations with lots of examples from published fiction

• Build your story and submit extracts for comment on a bi-weekly basis

• Participate in friendly feedback groups and apply your critical and editorial skills to your own work

• Receive verbal and written feedback, insightful critique, and encouragement from the tutor

Course Programme:
Weeks alternate between feedback sessions and the study of published texts with exercises that address craft issues that arise from the feedback sessions.

Help ranges from ways to develop rich, evocative narrative to getting to grips with structure and making characters palpable, scenes immersive and dialogue moving. Examples of some of what is covered:

• Language, the Role of Images and the Senses

• Ideas and Where to Find Them

• Character, Relationship and Emotion

• Character, Psychological Depth and Viewpoint

• Dialogue and the Body

• Setting and Figurative language

• Plotting and Story Arc

• Narration, Voice and Tone

• Time and Pace 

• Openings and Chapter Endings

• Sustaining Momentum and Raising the Stakes

• Exposition and Backstory

• Revising and Editing

Close reading of published literature gives us valuable insight into methods and choices in terms of language structure, subject matter, personal revelation, the relationship which is created between the writer and the reader among many other aspects. 
Advice will be given on how to read to inform your writing, and what to look out for.