Writing for children: a taster

Develop your ideas for children's stories in a practical interactive session. Topics will include plot, characterisation and viewpoint, and how to approach the children's publishing industry today.

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Key course information

Dates
30/10/11

Day(s)
Sun

Duration
1 week

Time
10:30 - 16:30

Fees
Full fee: £47^NC

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
HW246

Availability
This course has finished

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

This course has finished

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

Course outline

What is the course about?

An opportunity to try out ideas for children’s stories, to develop your writing and learn about the current state of
children’s book publishing. This taster course does not cover picture book writing.

What topics will we cover?

Contemporary children’s writing
Guidance in writing for children aged 5 – 15 years.

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

- use various writing techniques in order to develop a range of skills from plotting and planning through to
characterisation, description and dialogue
- use the appropriate style etc for desired age group.

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

It is preferable to have some experience of a creative writing course (such as Ways into creative writing) and/or
have been writing for children on your own.

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

Group discussion and feedback
Lots of independent writing
Tutor input illustrated by examples from published works

The Tutor
Echo Freer is the author of several books for children, notably the Magenta Orange series aimed at children aged 11 – 14 of age and which has been translated into ten languages. She trained as a teacher but has always had a love of writing and spent twenty three years trying to fit it in between raising her family, running the home and teaching literacy to both children and adults, before her first book, Magenta Orange, was published in 2001. Since then, she divides her time between writing and visiting schools to teach creative writing workshops.
Her latest book is Magenta Sings the Blues (Hodder Children’s Books, 2008).

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?

Bring a notebook, paper and writing materials, enthusiasm and loads of persistence.

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?

Students who wish to continue actively to write for children may like to join the Writing for Children Workshop, most of whose members began as students on the City Lit’s Writing for Children course, and of whom a significant number are now published authors.

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
10/06/12	Sun	10:30 - 16:30	1 weeks	£47	£47	£47	HW229	Available	» Select
30/10/11	Sun	10:30 - 16:30	1 weeks	£47	£47	£47	HW246	Finished	» Select
22/01/12	Sun	10:30 - 16:30	1 weeks	£47	£47	£47	HW224	Finished	» Select