Creative Writing for Beginners (Evenings)
- Level(s) of Study: Short course
- Start Date(s): 4 October 2023 / 17 January 2024; 10 April 2024
- Duration: Wednesdays 6 - 8:30 pm, ten weeks
- Study Mode(s): Short course
- Campus: City Campus
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Entry Requirements:
More information
Introduction:
The aim of the course is to enable the beginner to work on developing their writing skills in a variety of different areas, including poetry, short story writing, flash fiction, playwriting and writing a full-length novel.
It’s for people who have not attended a creative writing course before and are looking for a challenge.
On this course, you will be offered advice and feedback in a supportive, seminar environment to help your writing develop and progress.
Classroom discussions and critiques will be combined with a variety of practical exercises.
These will be the stimuli to aid the creative process and exploration of your writing skills, offering new insights and inventive approaches to your individual projects.
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You’ll be part of a creative writing community; one that promotes discussion and collaboration, and encourages experimentation and the constant swapping of ideas. -
With a limited class size you'll have the one-to-one attention you need to ensure you leave with the skills to continue developing your writing at home or work. -
Benefit from learning with an experienced tutor who has established links to the profession and significant experience working in varied practices. -
On successful completion of the course you will receive a certificate of attendance.
Here's what previous attendees said:
‘I chose this course because I wanted to develop my skills and enjoyed the whole experience, loved every minute. The balance of completing creative writing exercises and having a dialogue and discussion was perfect, and I was always inspired every week. I met a group of lovely like-minded writers and plan on staying in contact to follow each other's writing journeys' EG
‘Tina was a fantastic tutor and I enjoyed trying lots of different writing styles' HB
‘I wanted to get back on track with my novel, and have lots of information about the creative writing business. I have learnt different writing techniques and styles, and got useful feedback on my work'
‘Really enjoyed the workshop aspect of the sessions and reading pieces out loud to the group. I wanted to see if I could stretch myself and I think that if you can write, then you can learn to write different genres. I most enjoyed novel writing and poetry, but I enjoyed it all' KE
‘Tina was a lovely and knowledgeable tutor and the course was above and beyond my expectations. I learnt more about creative writing and built up my skills to write for both fun and potentially professionally. It's been a huge confidence boost. I enjoyed the whole thing - it was really varied and the group were lovely' LJ
What you’ll study
During this course, you will:
- create a sense of place for your writing and your characters
- develop the hook that will get readers to read on
- understand the different working styles for different writing projects
- use poetry as a way in to further creative writing
- learn about the importance of a well-constructed synopsis
- learn how to redraft and refine your work.
The course will cover these key themes:
- getting started – finding the inspiration to write
- playing with ideas and searching for the original
- creating characters who breathe
- the importance of the first page
- short story writing
- flash fiction and the mini saga
- working with lines (poetry and prose)
- synopsis for full-length novels
- plays for the modern-day stage
- writing for TV
- the art of redrafting – the end is just the beginning!
How you’re taught
You will be studying creative writing in a UNESCO City of Literature, and be based in the School of Arts and Humanities on the City Campus.
You will find modern teaching spaces and quiet study environments to develop your ideas and writing.
You’ll also have access to our library to use outside of your short course; whilst you can’t reserve or take away books, you are welcome to use them as a resource for research and referencing.
Further information
By the end of the course, you will have a variety of writing projects in development, and a network of fellow writers and potential collaborators with whom you can progress your work further.
Campus and facilities
Entry requirements
Level: Beginner.
Entry requirement: No experience is required.
Fees and funding
The fee for this course is £435.
Payment is due at the time of booking.
How to apply
You can book your place via the NTU online store:
Evening course (4 October - 6 December 2023)
Evening course (17 January - 20 March 2024)