How to write fiction

Aspiring writers of prose fiction can gain the tools to acquire sound writing technique - grammar, punctuation, paragraphing, register, vocabulary and literary conventions. Learn to avoid redundancy, cliché and tired language.

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Key course information

Dates
21/09/11 - 07/12/11

Day(s)
Wed

Duration
12 weeks

Time
16:00 - 18:00

Fees
Full fee: £129
Senior fee: £73
Concession: £35

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
HW196

Availability
This course has finished

This course has finished

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

Course outline

What is the course about?

The course will treat writing as a craft with techniques that can be learnt. It will concentrate on the basic skills fiction
writers require to tell stories, engage readers' interest and develop an elegant writing style.

What topics will we cover?

It will focus on the conventions of fiction prose and will cover issues of usage and grammar.
Topics will include the following: writing without comment; how to avoid cliché syntax, cliché vocabulary, unnecessary repetition, tautology and grammatical solecisms; how to write about people, about place, action, mood; how to write dialogue; how to make and use complex sentences.

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

- distinguish cogent writing from cliché
- avoid cliché vocabulary and syntax in your writing
- avoid unnecessary repetition
- write without comment
- write dialogue
- use different types of sentence
- revise your work.

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

The course is aimed at writers who wish to improve their fiction writing skills in order to produce short fiction or novels. A command of basic skills, punctuation and grammar is essential.

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

Presentations by the tutor. Exercises and assignments. Rigorous analysis of students’ work.

The Tutor
Neil Ferguson is the author of three well-received novels - Double Helix Fall (Abacus, 1990), Putting Out (1988) and
English Weather (1996) published by Abacus and Gollancz, and a collection of short stories, Bars of
America (1986). His work has been translated into five European languages and published in the USA (Faber,
Penguin). He has had a number of poems published; in 2001 he was short-listed for the Poetry Review Dearmer
Prize. His short fiction has been published in London Magazine, Interzone, Esquire etc. He has also taught literacy and English as a Second Language to adults for over 20 years. He is a professional writer and an experienced adult
education tutor.

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?

Short work will be copied by the tutor.

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. Weekly feedback from class members and the tutor will allow you to continue to develop your skills and to hone your fictional techniques.

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?

Various advanced creative writing courses, examples of which are 'Writing Novels', 'Advanced Critical Workshop' and 'Creating Fiction'.

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.