Queering characterisation: writing LGBTQIA+ characters

What is the course about?

In this workshop we will examine the fundamentals of characterisation, with a focus on LGBTQIA+ characters. We will consider important questions on representation, queering and the contemporary literary landscape, and how they might interact with our approaches to characterisation in a comfortable and inquisitive environment.

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?

We will cover the essential components of character, the role of character in fiction including flat versus round characters, how to create compelling characters and the relationship between character, story and plot.

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

- write using knowledge of the relationship between character and plot
- Identify the difference between 'flat' and 'round' characters alongside understanding their uses in fiction
- write using knowledge of how to create complex characters.

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

This course is suitable for any writers of prose fiction with an interest in developing their understanding of LGBTQIA+ characters.

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

You will explore examples of LGBTQIA+ characters and character development in tutor-led discussion, practise your skills in guided writing exercises, and share your work to receive constructive feedback.

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?

There are no associated costs. Have a pen and notebook ready.

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

You could do HW083, Reading for writers: queer fiction (a fortnightly course). Or, why not try one of our other fiction courses? There are lots of options to develop your fiction available via the online prospectus. If you need help finding the right one, just give us a call!

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.