Introduction to novel plotting

For writers who are finding it difficult to organise their novel, this course provides a flexible template for plotting.

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Key course information

Dates
05/02/12 - 04/03/12

Day(s)
Sun

Duration
4 weeks

Time
10:30 - 16:30

Fees
Full fee: £189^NC

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
HW205

Availability
This date is full

^NC: No concessionary fees available as there is no government funding for this course.

This course is full

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

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Course outline

What is the course about?

This course is designed to provide writers with a flexible template for plotting a novel. It aims to help you create and shape a multi-layered plot narrative.

What topics will we cover?

Techniques include choosing primary characters; planning three-act structure (beginning, middle, end); creating subplots; reading like a writer.

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

- Create effective primary and secondary characters
- Demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles of a novel’s story arc
- Use these principles to begin to redraft your novel’s shape (ie narrative line).

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

For students who have been writing on their own and feel the need for support and guidance. Ideally, writers have been attempting to produce a first draft (in part or whole) of a novel and now feel the need for guidance and objectivity. As a minimum, writers must have an idea and some initial notes for a novel they wish to write. It would be helpful to bring in a page summary of your novel ideas (i.e. summary, plot outline, list of characters, main theme). If available, please also bring your first page.

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

Writing exercises individually and in groups; lectures in principles of plotting; analysis of published excerpts; group discussion in a positive, challenging environment; reading & writing assignments; assessment of each others work. Please note students are expected to participate in classroom activities.

Tutor biography
Josie Barnard is the author of five books including the Betty Trask award-winning novel 'Poker Face', and 'The Pleasure Dome', which Gavin Turk described in Tatler as 'a sexy new novel'. Most recently, she has published the creative non-fiction, 'The Book of Friendship'. She's worked as an editor and as a print and broadcast journalist, writing features and reviews and presenting programmes for papers and stations including the Guardian and the TLS and the BBC. Her history of teaching creative writing includes at universities including Middlesex and Goldsmiths.

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?

No other costs but students must bring a notebook for use throughout the course, and pens.

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. Ongoing feedback, group work and homework exercises.

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
05/02/12 to 04/03/12	Sun	10:30 - 16:30	4 weeks	£189	£189	£189	HW205	Full	» Select
29/04/12 to 20/05/12	Sun	10:30 - 16:30	4 weeks	£189	£189	£189	HW274	Available	» Select