Tell your story - Fiction & Non fiction Writing

This 5-week course is designed to take students through the process of writing both fiction and non-fiction, from finding ideas to developing character and plot. The tutors are both professional, widely published writers with extensive experience within the publishing and film industries.

Each week students will explore a different aspect of the writing process, combining group discussion with individual writing exercises and discussion of set texts.

Topics covered:

Week 1. Finding Ideas: word association, writing from memory and changing memory into fiction.

Week 2. Making Characters: writing from photographic prompts; creating character from real–life experience; and the inner life of characters.

Week 3. Setting and Plot: place as character and theme; relationship between character and plot; character and motivation

Week 4. Research and Writing from Objects: archives, libraries and immersive research vs the internet; objects as plot-drivers and inspiration

Week 5. Structure, Voice and Editing: 3 act structure plotting; showing vs. telling; finding your voice; editing your first draft; final questions and advice on next steps

By the end of the course, students will have worked on a series of short pieces of writing and have gained insights and skills enabling them to develop their own creative projects in both fiction and non-fiction writing. They will have gained confidence in the following areas: finding and developing their own voice as writers; the structuring and organisation of their ideas; giving and receiving feedback in group settings; undertaking and utilising research; and developing critical reading skills.

Eligibility criteria:

The course is suitable for both beginners and those with experience of creative writing. A reasonable level of fluency in written English is required.

Host or Publisher Ruskin College