Writing and rewriting fairytales

What is the course about?

Ever wanted to write your own fairytale? This writing workshop is designed for those courageous enough to explore the timeless tropes of the fairytale genre and conjure up wicked ways of subverting them on the page.

What will we cover?

- The tropes of the fairytale genre.
- Plotting your own fairytale.
- Subverting the fairytale genre.

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

- Understand the key tropes of the fairytale genre.
- Plot your own fairytale using approaches suggested by the tutor.
- Write the opening to your own fairytale.

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

This is a creative writing course for beginners. Students will need to be able to write in fluent English and would benefit from some awareness of techniques used in creative writing.

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

Students will be taught through a mixture tutor presentation, class and pair discussion, group work, extract analysis and regular writing exercises throughout the day.

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 writing materials.

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

City Lit offer a range of genre fiction courses including writing fantasy stories, crime writing and romance. For more information please browse the writing section on our website.

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.