Writing fiction

You will consider various aspects of fiction writing such as drawing characters and plotting. You are expected to produce work and, through critical appraisal, to gain confidence, skill and insight.

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Key course information

Dates
20/04/12 - 22/06/12

Day(s)
Fri

Duration
10 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
HW044

Availability
Available
(status updated every 15 mins)

Enrol now

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Call enrolments: 020 7831 7831

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

Course outline

What is the course about?

The aim of the course is for you to complete a story and/or chapters and, in the latter case, to have a firm idea how to finish a longer work. You will understand the difference between short and long fiction and develop an understanding of the small components that make up a whole fictional world. You will learn character, pace, sentence rhythm, dialogue, plot and description. You will learn to blur the lines between therapy and fiction, reality and fiction, autobiography and fiction.

What topics will we cover?

The tutor uses samples of writing to illustrate the smaller components of fiction. When the class is writing well, it is considered more important to focus on your work. There may be guest authors invited to read and talk about their work, but this will not always be the case.

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

- respond to and assess pieces of writing with sensitivity
- finish at least one story and know its strengths and weaknesses
- complete a chapter of a novel
- continue to produce work on a regular basis
- know how to approach an agent or publisher
- understand the literary market place.

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

This is a Stage One course and you will need literacy, enthusiasm and stamina. The course lasts for one term only. Fluent spoken and written English is essential.

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

Exercises set in class will then be read in class. Group critique is encouraged. Occasionally writers and publishers are brought into the class to share their experience with the group. You will study stories and articles and gain insight into how a particular writing technique may be effective. There is always group discussion and analysis of writing problems; the class and tutor offer solutions.

The Tutor:
Courttia Newland published his first novel, The Scholar, in 1997. Further critically acclaimed work includes Society Within (1999) and Snakeskin (2002). He is co-editor of IC3: The Penguin Book of New Black Writing in Britain (2000)
and has short stories featured in many anthologies. His latest books are The Dying Wish, and a collection of stories,
Music For the Off-Key (2006). A new short story collection, A Book of Blues, was published in March 2011.

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?

None except paper and pen/pencil.

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?

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
13/01/12 to 23/03/12	Fri	19:40 - 21:40	11 weeks	£124	£124	£36	HW043	Full	» Select
20/04/12 to 22/06/12	Fri	19:40 - 21:40	10 weeks	£113	£113	£33	HW044	Available	» Select
30/09/11 to 16/12/11	Fri	19:40 - 21:40	12 weeks	£136	£136	N/A	HW042	Finished	» Select