Writing for children workshop

Experienced writers for children can discuss work in progress and receive constructive feedback, advice and information on current trends.

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Key course information

Dates
19/04/12 - 21/06/12

Day(s)
Thu

Duration
10 weeks

Time
12:45 - 14:45

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

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
HW046

Availability
Available
(status updated every 15 mins)

This course has started

It may still be possible to enrol. Please call 020 7831 7831 to discuss. Please note that you will have missed some of the course content and it may not be possible for the tutor to fully cover this with you.

Course outline

What is the course about?

Each session will begin with news of students’ current work and the publishing scene. Four writers will present work to the group at each meeting. The work should be typed and double spaced as the pieces will be read by another member of the group. This allows the writer to listen. During the discussion, which encompasses the whole group, the writer is asked to listen only or take notes. We are thereby able to discuss the work without any personal interaction with the author which might then bias the discussion. Finally the author is free to comment on the discussion.

What topics will we cover?

The course is suitable for those writing fiction for all age groups from babies to teenagers. Each reading should be 10-15 minutes long so, generally, either a whole picture book or a chapter of a longer novel can be brought in for discussion.

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

- Respond to and assess pieces of writing with sensitivity
- Receive an unbiased critical appraisal of your work by your peers and the tutor, within a supportive atmosphere
- Redraft your work, taking into account the feedback you received
- Identify ways of marketing your manuscript.

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

All workshop members will preferably have completed the introductory ‘Writing for Children’ course at City Lit. However, other students are welcome if they are already published authors or if they are otherwise actively involved in writing for children. The workshop is not suitable for those who think they might like to write for children but have no prior experience in this area. You should not enrol for both the introductory course and this one at the same time.

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

You will be taught by group discussion and feedback. You are required to be actively writing outside the class so that you have work to bring each time it is your turn.

The Tutor
Penny Kendal is a children’s author and writes for all age groups. She has had five mystery novels for older children published by Andersen Press including ‘Can You Hear Me?’ (2007). Her latest book, ‘Merbaby’ (2010) for 6-8 year olds, is published by Evans and she has two books for babies due for publication in 2011.
Penny has worked as a primary school teacher and family learning tutor and she runs writing workshops for children.

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?

When it is your turn to bring work you need to bring two typed copies, one for the tutor and one for the reader.

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. Regular feedback of writers' work is provided by the tutor and by fellow students within the group discussion in the class.

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
19/04/12 to 21/06/12	Thu	12:45 - 14:45	10 weeks	£108	£61	£29	HW046	Started	» Select
15/09/11 to 22/03/12	Thu	12:45 - 14:45	22 weeks	£236	£144	£71	HW045	Finished	» Select