Creative writing for learners with dyslexia

What is the course about?

This is a friendly and hands-on introduction to creative writing. You'll be encouraged to share creative ideas and to experiment with language in prose fiction, poetry and other media. You'll gain a greater understanding of the devices and techniques used by writers, and unlock your imagination as you begin to produce work of your own.

All writing courses at City Lit welcome and support learners with dyslexia. This particular course provides a space where learners with dyslexia can work together on their creative writing to build confidence, navigate challenges, and explore strengths. The course is designed in association with City Lit's Access, Inclusion and Support department.

What will we cover?

- Class exercises will cover a variety of approaches to different types of creative writing.
- Exercises are designed to bring out each student's individual creativity, unlock the imagination, and promote confidence.
- You'll be encouraged to share your ideas and your writing with the class.
- You will also be given the opportunity to receive constructive feedback from your peers and the tutor.

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

- Respond to, assess and discuss pieces of writing with sensitivity
- Recognise and develop your own writing skills within a supportive and inclusive environment
- Explore various techniques used by creative writers, such as imagery, point of view, first person/third person narrative
- Begin to apply these techniques in your own writing
- Produce several pieces of creative writing in different forms such as poetry and prose.

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

This course is suitable for beginners and those with some experience of creative writing. It has been designed to support learners who identify as having dyslexia. You do not need to provide evidence of a diagnosis to join this course, but we recommend discussing your needs with Access, Inclusion, and Support prior to enrolment.

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

This course takes a non-judgemental approach to exploring a variety of methods and techniques in order for you to achieve your potential. You will learn through a combination of:
- interactive tutor presentation
- class discussion and analysis of texts
- group and pair work
- games
- guided writing activities
- feedback from peers and your tutor.

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?

There are no additional costs. Please bring writing materials. You are also welcome to contact Access, Inclusion and Support to request further support, and we encourage you to discuss your specific needs with your tutor.

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

You may be interested in taking a term-long Ways into creative writing course. Or, if you would like to focus on a specific form of creative writing, we offer courses in short story writing, writing fiction, poetry, screenwriting, and more. Please feel free to contact the Writing department for advice on which course to take 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.