Crime writing: an introduction

Develop your skills in crime writing: character, plot, dialogue, pacing and atmosphere. Look at what works. Writing exercises to stimulate, feedback on your work and encouragement to continue.

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Key course information

Date
12/06/10

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
HW084

Availability
Available
(status updated every 15 mins)

Enrol now

Call enrolments: 020 7831 7831

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

Course outline

What is the course about?

It is a practical course and participants are expected to be writing, however brief or embryonic their efforts. It is not primarily an analytical course or survey of existing crime writing, though examples will be brought in for purposes of illustration.

What topics will we cover?

Basics: ice-breaking, expectations and experience; what do you like? Beginnings: where do ideas come from? Brainstorm: Introduction. Interrogation: what do you like? Why crime?
Beginnings: first lines.
Point of view: whose story is it? Who is telling the tale? Feedback: how and why?
Character: Conflict. Exercise: envy: deadly emotions. Conflict as motor of plot. Character questionaire - main character.
Plot Schema: Whats the story?
Setting and atmosphere. Same time, same place, whats changed?
Evaluation/review.

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

- respond to and assess a piece of writing with sensitivity.
- demonstrate a working knowledge of the basic elements of the genre.
- discuss the particular constraints and problems of the genre.
- demonstrate an understanding of the interconnection of character, plot and conflict.

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

For beginning and more experienced writers who read crime fiction and would like to try their hand at writing in the genre.

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

The course will consist of a mixture of taught themes, in-class exercises and workshop feedback on students work.

The Tutor
Gerry Byrne's crime novel, Ruby, is published by Victor Gollancz and her poetry and short stories have appeared in many magazines. She received a London Arts Board bursary for her work-in-progress, 'Survivors'. She is currently working on a non-fiction guide to novel writing, 'Writing with Both Hands'.

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?

Pens, paper, notebooks, previous work if wished.

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. Students will be given individual and group feedback in the workshop.

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?

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

Contact us

Humanities

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

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