Biography writing

What is the course about?

This is a practical course for anyone thinking of writing biographically: whether about historical figures, members of their own family, celebrities, ordinary people, or palpable eccentrics. There is no stipulation that you should already have started work, as provision is made for those who have yet to select a subject.

Each term, one published text will be read for what it reveals about available approaches and technique. Workshop exercises will be set, and the results discussed collectively by the group. The purpose is that students should as much as possible learn from one another.

What will we cover?

• Choice of subject
• Techniques of description, narration and character depiction
• Perspectives on time and place
• Structural varieties in life writing
• Affinities between life-writing and fiction
• Uses of source material, memory, and oral testimony
• The ethics of biography
• The claims of biography, its limitations and responsibilities

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

• Have embarked on a life-writing project of your own choice
• Understand the range of approaches available
• Expand your understanding of what biographical writing entails

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

Previous exposure to biographical literature is not required. In fact, the only essential qualification is a keen interest in reading, together with a willingness to learn from others and courageously to experiment in one’s own writing.

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

Teaching will be by tutor-led discussion, small group discussion, and each session will include a writing exercise. Short homework writing exercises and optional reading lists will be given each week.

All writing courses at City Lit will involve an element of workshop. This means that students will produce work which will be discussed in an open and constructive environment with the tutor and other students. The college operates a policy of constructive criticism, and all feedback on another student’s work by the tutor and other students should be delivered in that spirit.

For classes longer than one day regular reading and writing exercises will be set for completion at home to set deadlines.

City Lit Writing endeavours to create a safe and welcoming space for all and we strongly support the use of content notes in our classes. This means that learners are encouraged to make their tutor and classmates aware in advance if any writing they wish to share contains material that may be deemed sensitive. If you are unsure about what might constitute sensitive content, please ask your tutor for further clarification and read our expectations for participating in writing courses at City Lit.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

The title of the set text for each term will be announced in advance, and it would be very helpful if you could acquire a paper or cheaper electronic copy. You may well like to read ahead, but if that is difficult do not worry, since we will look at a relevant passage each week.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

All students are invited to join us at Late Lines, our regular performance night for City Lit writers. Students are also encouraged to submit their work to Between the Lines, our annual anthology of creative writing. For the latest news, courses and events, stay in touch with the Department on Facebook and Twitter.