How to write short fiction

Ideal for those who have already attended a 'Writing short stories' course and wish to develop their fiction-writing skills in short fiction – be it the short story or the novella.

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Key course information

Dates
18/04/12 - 20/06/12

Day(s)
Wed

Duration
10 weeks

Time
16:00 - 18:00

Fees
Full fee: £108
Senior fee: £61
Concession: £29

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
HW276

Availability
Available
(status updated every 15 mins)

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?

The process of writing short fiction – from the first sentence to the final full stop. Treating writing as a craft that can taught, we’ll be looking at how to begin a story, develop it, hone it and finish it. We’ll take a look at some first-rate examples of the form but the emphasis will be very much on the work of the group.

What topics will we cover?

The challenges of writing short fiction
Structuring short fiction
Writing good prose
Weeding out clichés
Recognising common writing mistakes – and how to avoid them
How to hook the reader and make sure that they keep reading.

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

Feel more confident about writing a short piece of fiction
Respond to and assess pieces of writing with sensitivity
Revise your own writing
Understand ways by which you might generate future work
Avoid clichés
Cultivate good writing habits.

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

The course is for anyone who wishes to write or who currently writes short fiction, from beginners to the more experienced. Fluency in English and an interest in correct spelling and punctuation would be helpful.

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

The course will comprise a mixture of presentations by the tutor, in-class exercises and workshop presentations by students to the group. In weeks when students are presenting, work should be circulated three days in advance by e-mail. Students will be expected to read and comment on the work of their peers in an atmosphere that is supportive and relaxed.

The Tutor
Jonathan Barnes is the author of two novels, The Somnambulist and The Domino Men, published in the UK by Gollancz and in the USA by HarperCollins. They have been translated into eight languages. He writes regularly for the Times Literary Supplement and the Literary Review and is currently writer-in-residence at Kingston University, where he has taught on the MA and MFA courses for the last four years. His latest project, a drama about Sherlock Holmes and the sinking of the Titanic, The Adventure of the Perfidious Mariner, will be released later this year.

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?

Please bring a couple of pens and a notepad with plenty of blank pages. You should have a working e-mail address that you are willing to share with the rest of the group. If you do not have access to emails at home, you may join the library/learning centre at City Lit and use the computers there.

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.