Ways into writing fiction

What is the course about?

This course provides a hands-on introduction to writing fiction. 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.

By the end of the course, you will be ready to progress to intermediate fiction courses such as Writing fiction, Short story writing or Starting your novel.

This course is not designed for students wishing only to improve their grammar and punctuation skills.

What will we cover?

- Writing prompts and games designed to stimulate creativity and unlock your imagination
- Descriptive writing, including using figurative language e.g. metaphor and simile

- How to engage the senses in our writing

- How to create fictional characters

- Writing dialogue

- Exploring how fiction works to engage and entertain readers
- Sharing our ideas and writing with sensitivity and confidence.

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

- Produce original pieces of prose fiction with confidence
- Decide a clear personal goal for your writing
- Identify different elements of craft and demonstrate these in your own work (e.g. point of view, dialogue, imagery, character)
- Analyse and discuss pieces of creative writing with confidence and sensitivity.

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 creative writing.

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

You will learn through a combination of:
- Interactive tutor presentations
- Writing prompts, writing exercises and fun games
- Discussion and analysis of published creative writing
- Supportive constructive feedback from your tutor and classmates

You will be given optional homework assignments. You will also be invited to share your ideas and your writing in 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.

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. You are welcome to bring a laptop or tablet to use for in-class writing exercises if it will help you.

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

You can try Ways into creative writing, which introduces learners to fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction, playwriting and screenwriting. You can also try our intensive four-day course, How to write a short story. Or you can progress to an intermediate fiction course such as Writing fiction, Short story writing or Starting your novel. 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.