Term 1:
This course is for anyone who would like try creative writing; anyone who has tried it before but needs some inspiration or structure; and anyone who already writes but would like to improve their skills. It aims to dispel the mystique that surrounds writing, using a practical approach. We will explore memory, setting and the use of the senses; character and voice; ways to win and sustain your reader’s interest; and how to mobilise and enrich your writing practice. Class meetings last two hours and will include analysis of published extracts, in-class writing, and optional sharing of your own work. You will come away with a collection of habits, hints and hacks, and exercises that you can use far beyond the eight-week class.
Term 2 and Term 3:
This course is for anyone who has tried creative writing and would like to carry it further; anyone who already writes but needs some inspiration or structure; and anyone who would like to improve their writing skills. It aims to dispel the mystique that surrounds writing, using a practical approach. We will explore character development and voice; plot and structure; pace and style; revision and editing; and how to enrich and sustain your writing practice. Class meetings last two hours and will include in-class writing exercises, discussion of readings, and (optional) ‘workshopping’ of your own writing. You will come away with a collection of habits, hints and hacks, and exercises that you can use far beyond the eight-week class.