Craft focus: grammar, syntax, and style for creative writers

What is the course about?

This course will focus on the technical elements of the writer’s craft, how they can support meaning or aesthetic effect, and how a better awareness of them can improve your own literary style. You will be encouraged to reflect on how you write and how your language and style can be improved at the level of technique or craft. You should be prepared for technical discussion of rules, conventions and common errors in the first few weeks – and exercises which challenge their linguistic ingenuity. You will then use your knowledge to analyse passages from certain authors and identify their distinctive stylistic effects. You will also be encouraged to develop your own style through creative exercises and assignments.

This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.

What will we cover?

• Grammar: the rules and conventions of English, who makes them, and why they matter; common errors; the difference between a mistake and a deliberate alteration; why creative writers bend or break the rules; the differences between prose and poetry; how to use grammar for your own creative purposes.

• Syntax: the basic order of an English sentence, and why it matters; main and subordinate clauses; syntax and punctuation; paragraphs; the difference between poetry and prose; how you can use syntax to make your writing more effective.

• Style: the analogy between style and manners; elements of style; vocabulary; figurative language; impersonal and personal styles; style and ‘voice’; interesting prose styles; poetry and style; clarity and euphony; imitation, parody and pastiche; developing your own style.

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

• Use and break the rules of grammar more effectively in your creative writing
• Understand better how syntax works and be able to use it to your advantage
• Recognise the elements of a style, distinguish between styles, and have a better idea of the styles you like and do not like
• Demonstrate a better understanding of what you are aiming for in your own style, and have developed it through practical exercises, feedback and reflection.
• Demonstrate an improved grasp of English grammar and syntax for creative writing.

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

This is a technical subject approached creatively, and activities will be designed to give scope for students at different stages to develop further.
Fluency in English is essential.
Previous creative writing experience is recommended. Awareness of other languages is useful but not essential.

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

The main methods of teaching will be writing activities, reading and analysis, class and small group discussion, and tutor feedback. Individual students should come prepared to share their own work and offer constructive criticism of one another’s productions. Each week students will be given one homework assignment on which they will be expected to spend one hour (or more if they are feeling enthusiastic). There will be a Google Classroom in which students can share ideas and access resources.


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?

No additional costs. A pen and pad of paper will also be useful for writing exercises during class.

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

This course should be complementary to other writing courses at City Lit, and can be taken in parallel with or as preparation for any of them, according to each student’s level. You can also choose to take other courses in the Craft Focus series to explore other specific areas of writing craft. Please call the Writing Department if you would like further advice.