Creative non-fiction: a taster
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.
Course Code: HW208
Please choose a course date
Duration: 2 sessions (over 2 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Center for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
The aim of this taster course is to explore the genre of creative non-fiction and introduce the various kinds of non-fiction writing. The day will include a practical writing element, with some short exercises done in the class which will receive feedback.
Students say: "Good discussion, interesting readings and examples"; "Great techniques were provided for improving my writing"; "Very friendly, approachable, unintimidating atmosphere"; "Really interesting"; "I felt the day had been very worthwhile and I learned a lot.".
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?
- The definition of creative non-fiction
- Narrative structure and time line
- Voice
- Character development.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Think critically about the genre of creative non-fiction.
- Write more confidently in the creative non-fiction form.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
No qualifications are required other than a good level of spoken and written English and an enthusiasm for
reading and writing.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Through presentation, tutor-led group discussion, and some short writing exercises done in class followed by feedback from the tutor and other members of the class.
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?
Pen and paper.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
City Lit offers a full-length 'Creative non-fiction' course, plus courses in journalism, autobiographical writing and biography writing.
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.
Lorna V is an award-winning playwright, performance artist, writer and educator. She has contributed to many publications including the Daily Mail, the Guardian Weekend, Sunday Times Style, and Time Out where she was lifestyle editor. She has written three personal development books for the Psychologies magazine brand published by Wiley. Her interest in psychology led to an MSc in Creative Arts and Mental Health. As a writer-performer she has appeared at venues and festivals in and out of London, including Battersea Arts Centre, Blue Elephant Theatre and Oxford’s Old Fire Station. She has just embarked on a PhD at Queen Mary University of London's School of English and Drama, investigating and making solo theatre work that addresses heritage and mental health.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
