Finding a safe and inspirational place to write, let alone somewhere where you can hone the craft on a regular basis, can be a challenge. Over the course of six weeks, students will have the opportunity to settle themselves into a routine and develop the discipline necessary to compose a project from start to finish. At the same time, they can expect to learn valuable skills, from how to navigate plot and create authentic, believable characters, to implementing techniques like "show, don’t tell." Students will also regularly share their writing with their peers and discover the benefits of having an objective reader.

DELIVERY MODE

• Face-to-Face

COURSE OUTLINE

• Establishing a writing routine and practicing self-discipline
• Understanding the needs of a targeted reader and what makes a narrative engaging for them
• Learning how to navigate plot, including its structure, development and pace
• Creating authentic, relatable and engaging characters
• Using writing techniques, such as “show, don’t tell,” as a means of adding more depth to a narrative and creating immersive situations for the reader
• Understanding genre and how it might impact the writing process
• Using speed writing and visual/written prompts to tackle writer’s block
• The importance of knowing how to provide oneself with constructive feedback at every stage of writing

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Exercise self-discipline and commit to a regular writing routine  
2. Compose an engaging narrative in a genre of their choice, with authentic and relatable characters, as well as immersive settings
3. Use techniques such as speed writing and “show, don’t tell” as a means of enriching their work and tackling writer’s block
4. Provide constructive, helpful and specific feedback when editing and proofreading