Writing for the city

Using acute observation, unpicking the threads that bind our everyday lives, and exploring texts both past and present, national and international, this one-day course is for writers aiming to recreate their inner-city lives through fiction.

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Key course information

Date
04/03/12

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
HW101

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?

This course is exclusively for people who want to write about their urban environment – no country houses or rolling green fields here! Some previous writing skills are welcome, but not necessary. We will look very briefly at some of the best International inner-city writing, work on exercises based on the text, and try to thrash out loose beginnings or continuations of your own inner-city novel.

What topics will we cover?

How to develop character, mood and theme; how to use your environment to flag a character’s emotional journey using description; how to use pace to create or alleviate tension. How to structure your work using easily managed components; what you should look for when editing your first draft.

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

- respond to, assess and discuss pieces of writing with sensitivity
- recognise various devices and techniques used by writers, such as imagery, point of view, etc
- apply these devices to your own writing
- revise and edit your work.

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

Although some practical writing knowledge is good, it’s not essential. Fluency in spoken and written English is important.

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

Writing exercises
Group discussion
Tutor input and feedback
Handouts will be given during the class for continual work afterwards.

Tutor Biography
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?

Paper and pens only.

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.