Introduction to Creative Writing – exploring, practising and progressing

with Alison Chandler

Whether you’re starting out, coming back after a pause or looking to fill some gaps in your writer’s toolbox, making progress is so much easier with a support network. Our twelve-week Introduction to Creative Writing will help you master the fundamentals of writing fiction or memoir in an environment designed to grow your confidence and nurture your ability to tell the stories you want to tell.

Over our twelve weeks together we’ll explore the foundations of storytelling before moving on to the elements that give a piece depth and richness. We’ll look at examples of great writing to illustrate each week’s theme and use active reading* to work out how the writer has achieved the effects they create. We’ll also try out what we’ve learned in a range of different exercises. You’ll be encouraged to notice what appeals to and resonates with you, to help you work out the kind of writer you are.

In Week 6 we’ll discuss writing workshops and how both giving and receiving feedback can enhance our work, and there’ll be an opportunity to share a short piece if you’d like to. Then in Week 12 we’ll have a full workshop where it’s wonderful to hear from everyone, but it's never compulsory to share.

At the end of the course you’ll feel well-prepared to progress your writing, and we’re always happy to help you plan your next steps.

Week 1) Character-building.

Week 2) Setting – where am I?

Week 3) Dialogue – talk to me.

Week 4) Point of view – whose eyes am I looking through?

Week 5) Plot versus story. Structure.

Week 6) Beginnings and endings. Thinking about writing workshops.

One-week break for half term

Week 7) What kind of writer am I? A look at genre.

Week 8) Character relationships – friends and enemies.

Week 9) Themes and motifs.

Week 10) Flash/short story/novella – thinking about form.

Week 11) Fiction and life-writing, fiction in life-writing.

Week 12) Me and my reader. Final mini workshop.

* ‘Active’ (rather than ‘passive’) reading simply means thinking about how a text actually conveys its meaning, as well as taking on board what it says.

CORRESPONDENCE VERSION POSSIBLE, £310, PLEASE ENQUIRE

Our tutor Alison says...

It’s all about removing the mystery – and releasing the magic! Sometimes creative writing can feel like something other people know how to do. It’s wonderful seeing writers on our Introduction course pick up writing ‘tools’ and make them their own.