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Autobiography into fiction

Explore techniques for transforming personal experience into fiction, realistic or fantastical. We will also discuss some of the issues around using autobiographical material in fiction.

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Key course information

Dates
24/04/10

Day(s)
Sat

Duration
1 week

Time
10:30 - 17:30

Fees
Full fee: £38
Senior fee: £23
Concession: £12

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
HW081

Availability
This date is full

THIS DATE IS FULL

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Occasionally places will become available. You can add yourself to the waiting list:

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Still got questions?
Email humanities@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2652

Course outline

What is the course about?

- Introducing you to some techniques for transforming personal experience into fiction (including poetry if desired)
- Discussing some of the issues around using autobiographical material in fiction
- Improving your writing skills
- Helping you give and use constructive criticism.

What topics will we cover?

How to fictionalise, including: how to start, how to focus, find a story-line and theme; structure and imaginative writing; recasting, changing elements of the original “true” story including fictionalising people and events; using different voices; exploring dreams and fantasy as a way to fictionalise; how to stay in touch with the emotional truth within the fictionalised version; how to use journals.

The issues, problems and benefits of using personal material in fiction. Writing exercises, and reading and discussion of your class work (see 5.).

By the end of this course you should be able to:

- Respond to, and assess, pieces of writing with sensitivity
- Write autobiographically-based fiction more effectively and confidently
- Identify and use some techniques for transforming personal material into fiction
- Identify and appreciate some of the issues around using autobiographical material in fiction.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

Introductory to more advanced levels. Fluency in written and spoken English essential.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

- Presentations by the tutor
- Writing exercises giving you practice in transforming personal material into fiction.
- Class discussion of techniques and of the issues, problems and benefits of using personal material in fiction
- Reading and discussion of your class work, sharing ideas as to how it could be developed, and possibly integrated into any ongoing writing project you may have; and exploring general issues it raises around autobiography and fiction.
- Some opportunity to discuss ongoing work

NB Some of the discussion may take place in small groups.

The Tutor
Caroline Natzler`s collection of autobiographically based short stories Water Wings was published by Onlywomen
Press and her stories and poems have appeared in many anthologies and journals. A selection of her poetry Speaking the Wetlands was published by Pikestaff Press in 1998 and her first full length collection of poems Design Fault was published by Flambard Press in 2001. A second, Smart Dust (Grenadine Press) appeared in spring 2009. Caroline has been running writing workshops for many years, both in adult education institutions and on a freelance basis, and is a contributor to Taking Reality by Surprise: Writing for pleasure and publication, ed Susan Sellers (The Women`s Press).
Caroline Natzler`s collection of autobiographically based short stories Water Wings was published by Onlywomen Press and her stories and poems have appeared in many anthologies and journals. A selection of her poetry Speaking the Wetlands was published by Pikestaff Press in 1998 and her full length collection of poems Design Fault was published by Flambard Press in 2001. Caroline has been running writing workshops for over 10 years, both in adult education institutions and on a freelance basis, and is a contributor to Treating Reality by Surprise: Writing for pleasure and publication, ed Susan Sellers (The Women`s Press).

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

You should bring paper and pens or pencils.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made. Feedback of writers work is provided by the tutor and by fellow students within group discussion in the class.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; study support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 189 of the 09-10 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

There is an Autobiographical Writing course on offer throughout the year and a Creative Non-Fiction course for one term.
Regular writing classes and workshops, informal writing groups, writing at home. Creative Writing MAs.

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2652

humanities@citylit.ac.uk

Advice times:

During term-time Monday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30

Non term-time Monday 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30

Select another date / day / time

Dates	Day(s)	Time	Duration	Fees	Snr	Conc	Code	Availability
24/04/10	Sat	10:30 - 17:30	1 weeks	£38	£23	£12	HW081	Full	» Select
03/10/09	Sat	10:30 - 17:30	1 weeks	£38	£23	£12	HW079	Finished	» Select
16/01/10	Sat	10:30 - 17:30	1 weeks	£38	£23	£12	HW080	Finished	» Select

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