Ways into creative writing: an introduction

What is the course about?

This is a friendly and hands-on introduction to creative writing. You'll be encouraged to think in a creative way 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 you'll unlock your imagination as you begin to produce work of your own. This course is not designed for those wishing only to improve their grammar and punctuation skills.

Students say: "It gave me discipline, courage and inspiration to write"; "Outstanding and inspiring - the classroom exercises were very helpful, and I feel that I've learned a good deal"; "It was very interactive and there was a positive atmosphere throughout the course"; "Well-paced and supportive.".

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?

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'll 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...

- identify the characteristics of creative writing
- respond to, assess and discuss pieces of writing with sensitivity
- recognise some of your own writing skills
- recognise various techniques used by creative writers, such as imagery, point of view, first
person/third person narrative
- apply various writing techniques such as imagery and point of view in your own writing
- produce several pieces of writing - poems and/or short pieces of fiction
- take risks.

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

This is an introductory course and no previous writing experience is required. You should be able to read and write fluently in English, and be enthusiastic about reading and writing prose fiction and poetry.

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

You will learn through in-class writing exercises, out-of class assignments, discussions and interactive tutor presentations. Writing tasks will also be set as homework. You will be invited to read out texts you produce in class and at home.

All writing classes at City Lit involve an element of workshop. This means that students will produce work that 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 work from the tutor and 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.

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?

Please bring your own writing materials.

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

City Lit offers a fantastic range of creative writing courses covering all genres and levels of ability. If you would like to continue building your confidence at the introductory level, we recommend enrolling on 'Ways into creative writing', which is a longer course. You can also progress to 'Developing your creative writing', where you'll continue to experiment with a range of forms. Or you can take a course in a particular medium, including novel and short story writing, screenwriting, playwriting, and creative non-fiction. To browse our full range of creative writing courses, visit www.citylit.ac.uk/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.