Ways into creative writing

Want to have a go at creative writing in a supportive atmosphere? Join one of these introductory courses. Guided exercises will give you the tools to explore language creatively and find your own writing voice.

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Key course information

Dates
17/04/12 - 26/06/12

There are more dates to choose from, click here

Day(s)
Tue

Duration
11 weeks

Time
19:40 - 21:40

Fees ?
Full fee: £113
Senior fee: £113
Concession: £33

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
HW251

Availability
Available
(status updated every 15 mins)

Enrol now

Enrol now» See other dates.

Call enrolments: 020 7831 7831

Download form and post Still got questions?
humanities@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2652


Course outline

What is the course about?

This course aims to introduce you to the skills needed to write creatively. You will be encouraged to think in a creative way and to experiment with language, in prose fiction and poetry. You will gain a greater understanding of how language works and of the devices and techniques used by writers.
The course is not designed for those wishing to improve their writing skills such as grammar and punctuation.

What topics will we cover?

Class exercises are designed to bring out each student's individual voice, loosen the imagination, move away from preconceived ideas, and promote writing confidence. Students and the tutor respond to the work individuals choose to read out in a supportive workshop atmosphere.

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

- identify the characteristics of creative writing (as distinct from non-fiction).
- respond to, assess and discuss pieces of writing with sensitivity.
- recognise some of your own writing skills.
- recognise various techniques used by creative writers, such as imagery, point of view, 1st
person/3rd person narrative.
- apply various writing techniques such as imagery and point of view in your own writing.
- produce several pieces of writing - poems and/or short pieces of fiction.
- take risks.

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

You will have an interest in writing and reading prose fiction and/or poetry. You will be able to read and write fluently in English, using appropriate grammar and sentence structure for the writing tasks. You will be invited to read out texts you produce in class and at home. You should be able to respond to and discuss literary texts you have heard or read.

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

In-class exercises (writing games, writing against the clock etc.); out-of-class assignments; small group discussion; tutor-led discussion; workshop readings (of students writing) and critical discussion; class brainstorming; visualisation; block-breaking exercises. Writing tasks will also be set as homework.

The Tutor
Josh Lacey worked as a journalist and screenwriter before writing his first book for children, A Dog Called Grk. There are now seven titles in the Grk series, which has been translated into twelve languages. His other books include Bearkeeper, a novel about a boy in Elizabethan London; the Misfitz Mysteries, a series of novels about a complicated family; and short books for Barrington Stoke and Pearson Education.

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?

Paper (A4 writing pad) and pen/pencil. A folder for storing original work and handouts will be useful.

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?

Other Ways into Creative Writing courses; a good progression route is to take Furthering your Creative Writing (Sat 1100-1300) or there are more specific courses on poetry, playwriting, short story writing, novel writing etc.

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
09/01/12 to
19/03/12
Mon 10:15 - 12:15 11 weeks £118 £67 £32 HW006 Started » Select
09/01/12 to
19/03/12
Mon 19:40 - 21:40 11 weeks £124 £124 £36 HW010 Full » Select
10/01/12 to
20/03/12
Tue 19:40 - 21:40 11 weeks £124 £124 £36 HW250 Full » Select
10/01/12 to
20/03/12
Tue 15:30 - 17:30 11 weeks £118 £67 £32 HW007 Started » Select
11/01/12 to
21/03/12
Wed 19:40 - 21:40 11 weeks £124 £124 £36 HW008 Full » Select
12/01/12 to
29/03/12
Thu 17:30 - 19:30 11 weeks £124 £124 N/A HW009 Full » Select
12/01/12 to
22/03/12
Thu 12:30 - 14:30 11 weeks £118 £67 N/A HW017 Full » Select
13/01/12 to
23/03/12
Fri 18:00 - 20:00 11 weeks £124 £124 £36 HW110 Full » Select
15/01/12 to
25/03/12
Sun 11:00 - 13:00 10 weeks £113 £113 £33 HW245 Full » Select
16/04/12 to
02/07/12
Mon 10:15 - 12:15 10 weeks £108 £61 £29 HW011 Available » Select
16/04/12 to
02/07/12
Mon 19:40 - 21:40 10 weeks £113 £113 £33 HW015 Available » Select
17/04/12 to
26/06/12
Tue 19:40 - 21:40 11 weeks £113 £113 £33 HW251 Available » Select
17/04/12 to
26/06/12
Tue 15:30 - 17:30 11 weeks £108 £61 £29 HW012 Available » Select
18/04/12 to
20/06/12
Wed 19:40 - 21:40 10 weeks £113 £113 £33 HW013 Available » Select
19/04/12 to
21/06/12
Thu 12:30 - 14:30 10 weeks £108 £61 £29 HW020 Available » Select
19/04/12 to
28/06/12
Thu 17:30 - 19:30 10 weeks £113 £113 £33 HW014 Available » Select
20/04/12 to
22/06/12
Fri 18:00 - 20:00 10 weeks £113 £113 £33 HW111 Available » Select
29/04/12 to
01/07/12
Sun 11:00 - 13:00 9 weeks £102 £102 £31 HW254 Available » Select
19/09/11 to
05/12/11
Mon 10:15 - 12:15 12 weeks £129 £73 £35 HW001 Finished » Select
19/09/11 to
05/12/11
Mon 19:40 - 21:40 12 weeks £136 £136 £39 HW005 Finished » Select
20/09/11 to
06/12/11
Tue 15:30 - 17:30 12 weeks £129 £73 £35 HW002 Finished » Select
21/09/11 to
14/12/11
Wed 19:40 - 21:40 12 weeks £136 £136 £39 HW003 Finished » Select
22/09/11 to
15/12/11
Thu 17:30 - 19:30 12 weeks £136 £136 £39 HW004 Finished » Select
22/09/11 to
08/12/11
Thu 12:30 - 14:30 12 weeks £129 £73 £35 HW016 Finished » Select
23/09/11 to
16/12/11
Fri 18:00 - 20:00 13 weeks £136 £136 N/A HW109 Finished » Select
25/09/11 to
04/12/11
Sun 11:00 - 13:00 10 weeks £113 £113 N/A HW244 Finished » Select

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Contact us

Humanities

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.

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