Creative Writing – Exploring Creative Writing

About this course

The course introduces key elements of creative writing, including story structure, characterisation, conflict, resolution, point of view, setting, style and tone. It also considers the differences between showing and telling, and surveys forms such as short stories, novels, plays, television series, poetry and life writing. Learning combines tutor-led talks, writing exercises, group discussion, reading fiction and assignments centred on developing an original story. Participants also examine routes to publication and receive feedback on their work.

What you'll learn

• Apply basic principles of story structure, including conflict and resolution.
• Develop characters, settings, point of view, style and tone in original writing.
• Distinguish between showing and telling in creative work.
• Write and develop an original story through in-class exercises and assignments.
• Identify characteristics of different creative writing forms and genres.
• Describe routes towards submitting creative work for publication.

Is this course right for you?

This course is designed for complete beginners and learners with some creative writing experience. The Beginner level indicates an introduction to fundamental techniques rather than an advanced writing course. A reasonable level of spoken and written English is requested, and participation includes group discussion and writing assignments.

• No previous creative writing experience is necessary.
• Progress is assessed through class participation and completed writing assignments.
• Learners may develop either an original story or work across several creative writing forms.

Before you go

• Learners with specific learning needs can contact the provider so arrangements can be considered.