Introduction to novel plotting

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

(average based on 1 review) » Write a review of this course

» View full course outline

Key course information

Dates
29/04/12 - 20/05/12

Day(s)
Sun

Duration
4 weeks

Time
10:30 - 16:30

Fees
Full fee: £189^NC

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

» View location

Course code
HW274

Availability
This course has finished

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

This course has finished

» Find another course in Humanities » Search all courses

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

Course outline

What is the course about?

This course is designed to provide workshop sessions for writers who want to focus their thoughts on how to plot a novel. It aims to help you start thinking about how to create and shape a multi-layered plot narrative.

What topics will we cover?

Topics will include how to write a novel synopsis with a focus on plot; how to use such a novel synopsis to progress your novel; discussion of some of the available templates for novel plotting (eg 'three-act structure'); the function of subplots; reading like a writer; the functions of character lists (the roles/characteristics of primary as opposed to secondary characters). Our focus will be on honing skills that can aid the construction of tighter, more effective plots through the drafting process.

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

- Write an effective novel synopsis and blurb
- Demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles of a three act structure
- Use these principles to aid the process of redrafting your novel.

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. This is a level 2 course, so we won't be discussing how to get published.

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

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

Tutor bio
Josie Barnard is the author of five books with Virago Press, including the novels 'Poker Face', which won a Betty Trask award, and 'The Pleasure Dome', which Gavin Turk described in Tatler as 'a sexy new novel' and the editor of the Observer picked out alongside Will Self and AS Byatt for his selected best of the summer reads. She has appeared all around the country at literary festivals (including Dartington and Cheltenham) to talk about her writing and her media appearances include on Granada TV's 'Richard and Judy' and BBC Radio 4's 'Woman's Hour'. She has worked as an editor and as a print and broadcast journalist, writing features and reviews and presenting programmes for papers including the Guardian and the TLS. An experienced tutor/lecturer in Creative Writing, her work has been widely anthologised and her first novel was made into a short film, 'Flood', which broadcast on Channel 4 and Film Four.

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	Finished	» Select
29/04/12 to 20/05/12	Sun	10:30 - 16:30	4 weeks	£189	£189	£189	HW274	Finished	» Select