Creating fiction

A continuous workshop for experienced, but not necessarily published, writers of short stories and novels.

(average based on 1 review) » Write a review of this course

» View full course outline

Key course information

Dates
14/01/12 - 24/03/12

Day(s)
Sat

Duration
11 weeks

Time
14:00 - 17:00

Fees
Full fee: £186
Senior fee: £114

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

» View location

Course code
HW071

Availability
This date is full

No concessionary fees are available as the limit has been reached.

This course is full

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

» Find another course in Humanities » Search all courses

Course outline

What is the course about?

For you to improve your ability to write prose fiction.

What topics will we cover?

You are encouraged to continue writing your own novels and short stories. The course does not set down any particular projects.

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

- respond to and assess pieces of writing with sensitivity
- have a better understanding of your craft
- have a greater awareness of your own writing.

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

This is an advanced course: you should have written short stories or novels though it is not necessary for you to have had work published. Ideally, you will have attended creative writing courses/workshops previously.

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

All students are expected to present work either by reading it out or having another member of the class read it for them. The work may be either a short story, part of a short story or an extract from a novel they are working on. Following the reading there will be sympathetic discussion, led by the tutor, in which other students are encouraged to take part.
Most weeks the tutor will set a short writing exercise, designed to illustrate a particular aspect of writing. The exercise will be done in class and will be followed by a short general discussion. Occasionally the writing exercise will be replaced by visits from literary agents, novelists, editors or publishers. Once or twice a year the class will also examine a contemporary novel in terms of its narrative structure.
There is no written homework. Students are expected to work on their short stories and novels between classes, though they are, of course free to develop any of their exercises into short stories.

The Tutor
John Petherbridge has been teaching the Saturday afternoon Creating Fiction class for more than twenty-five years. During that time a number of writers have won short story competitions and had their first novels published. John is
a published writer and now works mainly in radio, often in adaptations of novels and short stories.

City lit reserves the right to change course tutors or venues from those advertised in this outline. In line with our refund policy we are unable to grant a refund on the grounds of a change of tutor/venue.

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

Paper and pen/pencil.

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.

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; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

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

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.

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.

Select another date / day / time

Dates	Day(s)	Time	Duration	Fees	Snr	Conc	Code	Availability
14/01/12 to 24/03/12	Sat	14:00 - 17:00	11 weeks	£186	£114	N/A	HW071	Full	» Select
21/04/12 to 23/06/12	Sat	14:00 - 17:00	10 weeks	£170	£103	£51	HW072	Available	» Select
24/09/11 to 10/12/11	Sat	14:00 - 17:00	12 weeks	£203	£124	N/A	HW070	Finished	» Select