Creative non-fiction: an introduction
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.
Course Code: HW198
Duration: 6 sessions (over 6 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?
This is an introductory course which covers core elements of the creative non-fiction genre. Students will be encouraged to think creatively and imaginatively about their approach to writing their own creative non-fiction.
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?
What is creative non-fiction?
How do we constructively analyse a creative non-fiction text?
Which core language and structural techniques are used for effect?
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Develop your understanding of the creative non-fiction genre.
- Constructively analyse creative non-fiction texts.
- Write your own creative non-fiction pieces.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
No formal requirements except a good standard of literacy and a love of reading.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
- Analysis of short pieces in class through group discussion.
- Pair work and group work.
- Regular individual short writing exercises.
- Formal instruction from the teacher combined with group discussion.
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?
Writing materials.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
The Writing department offers a range of creative writing courses, including Autobiographical writing, Biography writing, Writing a memoir and The art of the personal essay.
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, journalist, author, and writing coach. She has written for many publications including the Daily Mail, the Guardian Weekend, Cosmopolitan and Sunday Times Style. She has written three personal development books for the Psychologies magazine brand published by Wiley and her interest in psychology has led to her currently studying for an MSc in Creative Arts and Mental Health. As 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.
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.
