How to write novels

For experienced writers of fiction who are already engaged in writing a novel, a structured two-term course dealing with all aspects of novel writing technique and prose style. You need to have a novel in progress as well as a high level of writing skills. If you wish to be considered, please submit the first page of your novel to humanities@citylit.ac.uk. N.B. Term 1 finishes on 8 December; term 2 starts on 12 January.

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Key course information

Dates
15/09/11 - 29/03/12

Day(s)
Thu

Duration
24 weeks

Time
12:30 - 14:30

Fees
Full fee: £258
Senior fee: £146
Concession: £70

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
HW094*

Availability
Contact department

This course has started

It may still be possible to enrol on this course - please call 020 7831 7831 to discuss. Please note that you will have missed some course content and it may not be possible for the tutor to fully cover missed content with you. Please be advised that the published course fees will apply.

Course outline

What is the course about?

A taught syllabus of all aspects of technique necessary to write a novel. The analysis of the work of writers who
are already working on a novel.

What topics will we cover?

Discussion of issues that will improve writers' work: character; point of view; register, making sentences, figurative language; representing interior life of characters; Chinese walls; consequentiality; irony; ventriloquism; action; repetition; mood; economic relations; defamiliarisation; epiphany; modulation; sex; handling time; grammar; tension; dialogue; keeping the reader's interest; craftsmanship and style; avoidance of clichés.

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

- respond to and assess pieces of writing with sensitivity
- identify the basic issues involved in writing long fiction
- apply your critical and editorial skills more effectively.

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

Some years’ experience of fiction writing to a high standard is essential. Students will need to have embarked upon a work in progress. Work will be rigorously appraised. No faint hearts, please.

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

In a workshop environment mediated by an experienced professional writer, through a systematic discussion of issues, problem-solving, writing exercises, peer evaluation, in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere. Your work will
be read and discussed by the tutor and the group.

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 in hardback 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. However, for longer pieces for group discussion, the author will be asked to undertake this.

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

Yes. Before you can enrol on this course, you need to have an advisory interview with the relevant department. Without this the enrolment team will be unable to process your enrolment. Please contact the department to arrange your interview, or to find out about drop-in sessions. If you wish to be considered for this course please submit the first page of your novel to humanities@citylit.ac.uk.

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. The tutor will help you analyse your work and provide feedback on it. He will suggest new ways for you to look at your writing, skills and factors which you can incorporate into your work.

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?

The next step to be discussed individually with each student. The course is suitable for students who need to prepare a manuscript for an application fot a postgraduate course in creative writing.

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.