Part-time adult education, evening classes: London: City Lit

Towards a novel

Discover the basic principles of novel writing. Best suited to writers who have an idea of what kind of novel they want to write and have started work on it. Please come with a copy of Georges Simenon's The Widow (any edition).

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Key course information

Dates
12/07/10 - 16/07/10

Day(s)
Mon-Fri

Duration
1 week

Time
11:00 - 16:00

Fees
Full fee: £98
Senior fee: £66
Concession: £56

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
HW214

Availability
This course has finished

This course has finished

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

Course outline

What is the course about?

This five day course will help you generate and organize some raw materials for a novel, with a special emphasis on character-driven plots. We will examine some ways of putting your own experience to work in developing characters, dialogue, conflicts and scenes.

What topics will we cover?

The basic techniques of fiction - point-of-view, and maintaining fictional time - will be addressed. We will also discuss characterisation, novel structure, creative dramatic scenes, eliminating exposition, and self-editing.

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

Develop your experience and ideas in narrative scenes

Begin building a fictional world that you understand well enough to explore further

Recognise the strengths and weaknesses of your work in progress

Understand the basic requirements of a novel's form and structure

Cut needless exposition; maintain essential fictional techniques beyond a single scene.

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

This course has been created for students who enjoy reading and writing good fiction, and want to make the most of their own experience in terms of producing readable fiction. They need to have some idea about what fiction is, and how novels differ from, say, biographies or memoirs. They don't require any previous experience in creative writing workshops - though experienced students are more than welcome.

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

Critical tutor-led discussions, readings, out of class reading, in-class exercises; workshopping

Scott Bradfield is a novelist, short story writer and screenwriter. His recent books include Good Girl Wants it Bad (a novel) and Hot Animal Love: Tales of Modern Romance.

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?

Writing materials
Recommended text: The Easter Parade by Richard Yates.

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 201 of the 10-11 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

Contact us

Humanities