Creative Writing courses London: Creative Writing course London: Creative Writing evening courses City Lit

Novel writing workshop

A workshop for experienced writers of fiction with a novel in progress. Ideally suited to students who have completed the 'How to write novels' course.

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Key course information

Dates
26/04/12 - 28/06/12

Day(s)
Thu

Duration
10 weeks

Time
12:30 - 14:30

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

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
HW095*

Availability
Contact department

This course is full

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

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: genre; narrative voice;character; point of view; different narrators; story and plot; handling time; grammar; pace and tension; handling information; dialogue; keeping the reader's interest; craftsmanship and style; avoidance of cliches; how to produce a manuscript.

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 but fairly 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
Scott Bradfield is the author of five novels, including ’What’s Wrong with America?’ (1994), ’Good Girl Wants It Bad’ (Carroll & Graf, 2004) and, most recently, The People Who Watched Her Pass By (Two Dollar Radio, 2010); and several collections of short stories, including ’Greetings From Earth: New and Collected Stories’ (Picador, 1993), and ’Hot Animal Love: Tales of Modern Romance’ (Carroll & Graf, 2006). His fiction, essays and reviews have been published in TLS, Triquarterly, The Pushcart Prize, The Picador Book of Contemporary American Stories, and The New York Times Book Review. He has written several screenplays for production companies as various as Columbia Pictures and Roger Corman’s Concorde-New Horizons; the film adaptation of his short story, ’The Secret Life of Houses’, received the Viewer’s Choice Award at the Rotterdam Film Festival in 1997. In 2001, he was Fischer Professor of Literature at the Free University of Berlin. His recent short film, "Greetings From Earth," has been accepted into competition at numerous film festivals throughout the U.S. and Europe - including Tribeca and The Los Angeles Film Festival. He is currently Professor of English and Creative Writing at Kingston University, where he directs the MFA Program in Creative Writing.

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.

Recommended Reading
The Temptation of Eileen Hughes by Brian Moore
The Godwulf Manuscript by Robert B. Parker
The People Who Watched Her Pass By, by Scott Bradfield.

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.

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.