Creative Writing: How to write stories

About this course

The course examines shared storytelling conventions across narrative prose and dramatic forms, including theatre, film, television and short film. Participants will develop ideas, experiment with narrative voice, shape story arcs and explore character motivation through guided writing activities, games and analysis of selected stories. Teaching includes demonstrations, individual and collaborative exercises, workshops and ongoing verbal feedback. Learners will share work with peers and practise drafting, editing and redrafting. Poetry is not part of the course focus, although participants may work on poetry during sessions.

What you'll learn

• Generate and develop ideas for creative writing projects
• Construct story arcs and develop characters with clear motivations
• Draft, edit and redraft work to improve clarity and impact
• Reflect on written work and identify areas for improvement
• Give and receive constructive feedback on creative writing

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for writers at all levels and does not require previous experience. Participation includes individual, pair and group activities, sharing work with peers, and responding to feedback. It focuses on narrative prose and dramatic forms rather than poetry.

• No previous writing experience is required
• Learners will take part in collaborative exercises and peer feedback
• The course covers fiction and dramatic writing for screen and stage