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This course is an introduction to the process of creative writing. Do you want to write novels, non-fiction, poems, plays, lyrics or scripts? This course will help you practice the process of creative writing from beginning to end and give you a comprehensive overview of skills and strategies for all forms of creative writing.

Entry Requirements

A working knowledge of the English language. This is NOT a course in improving English.

Student Instructions

A notepad and a pen and an open mind.

Topics

Beginnings- Creativity, Creative Exercises, Imagination, Using Form- Skills in form on a sentence level, Understanding Style- Style and imagery explored, Creating and Exploring Character- Both formal and imaginative aspects, Developing Plot and Structure- Narrative and structural techniques, Types and Genres- Issues of overall form. Polishing and revising Strategies for publication and exposure Pitfalls.

Career Prospects

The course is not aimed at a specific career. However, it is possible to earn some money from creative writing as indeed the present tutor does. Furthermore it is a skill with a wide range of useful applications in many careers.

Delivery Style

The course is presented in an informal lecture style with diagrams on whiteboard. In addition some time is taken to do some exercises in class. Participation in the form of questions, personal experiences and so on is also encouraged.

Outcomes

The course aims to be an introduction and overview of the skills necessary in creative writing. As such it aims to speed up and improve the acquisition of these skills. It aims to leave the participants with an understanding and useful knowledge base for the further development of these skills whether for recreation, attempting a professional writing career in some specific area or for use in other career areas.

A student quote . . . I enjoyed poetry, to my amazement, and lyric writing - did not really like script writing though – L Rousell

This course follows the level 1 course. Participants will conclude this course with a piece of creative writing under way and with the motivation and skills to complete it and seek its publication.

Entry Requirements

Completion of level one course or previous knowledge.

Student Instructions

Please bring paper (lots of it), pencils and an eraser.

Topics

Innovative Ways to Creative Atmosphere, Plot Integration, How to Write Effective Dialogue, How to Create Unforgettable Characters, Editing and Polishing Your Work and How to Develop a Personal Writing Style.

Career Prospects

Not applicable

Delivery Style

• In 6 units spread over two consecutive days.
• Includes numerous practical, fun exercises in which participants practice their newly acquired skills, including commencing a literary work of your choice
• Presented in a relaxed, supportive, ‘workshop’ environment.

Outcomes

Participants will exit this program with a piece of creative writing (most often a short story) well under way and with the motivation to complete it and seek its publication using the knowledge and skills acquired in both programs.

Inside every person there is at least one great book waiting to be liberated – maybe the next best selling thriller, a factual book about some subject you’re passionate about or a biography of someone you admire. The surest way to liberate these ideas and turn them into reality is to take the advice of a successful writer who is trained to share their skills with you, like internationally acclaimed author and qualified trainer Richard Davis, presenting one of his popular Creative Writing Today courses. Light lunch included.

Entry Requirements

None

Student Instructions

Paper and pencils

Topics

This two-day program will equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to get started on your writing career. Day One covers the creative processes – how to unlock your imagination, how to develop plots, characters and settings, how to carry out research, how to write simple expressive language and how to edit and polish your writing. Day Two offers practical advice on how to get your writing published – how to present manuscripts, how to deal with agents, editors, publishers etc. and how to celebrate your success.

Career Prospects

Not applicable

Delivery Style

• In 6 units spread over two consecutive days.
• Includes numerous practical, fun exercises in which participants practice their newly acquired skills, including creating short pieces of original writing.
• Presented in a relaxed, supportive, ‘workshop’ environment

Outcomes

Participants will exit the course with the basic skills necessary to embark on creative writing as a hobby or career, a personal plan for their creative writing and the motivation to make a start.

A student quote . . . I enjoyed interacting with other budding authors. Learning fundamentals from a professional and knowing the format etc to pursue – M Bos

A student quote . . . Richard created a relaxed atmosphere while implanting and incredible amount of knowledge – C Taylor

This course will expand the techniques covered in Write Now Part I. It will offer exercises to explore these techniques and take them futher to develop full-blown characters and plot to write a synopsis and short piece of fiction. It will also examine successful writer’s work to discuss the difference between and a good work of fiction and a passable one. The use of journalling and intuitive writing will be explored to further develop creativity, writing fluency and overcome writer’s block.

Entry Requirements

A working knowledge of the English language and completion of Write Now! Part I

Student Instructions

A notepad and a pen and an open mind.

Topics

• Overcoming writer’s block and silencing the inner critic.
• Journaling as a source of inspiration, wealth and bank of ideas and as a tool or developing creativity and fluency as a writer
• Finding your own style and genre.
• Characterisation.
• Plot/narrative.
• Synopsis, developing a story that is worth writing
• Outline, scene/chapter breakdown
• Poetry – have fun with poetry

Career Prospects

The course is not aimed at a specific career. However, it is possible to earn from creative writing as indeed the present tutor does. Furthermore it is a skill with a wide range of useful applications in many careers.

Delivery Style

The course is presented in an informal lecture style with PowerPoint presentation and exercises related to each topic. Participation in discussion and analysis of pieces of work will be encouraged. Followup homework will be given to expand concepts of the class.

Outcomes

The course aims to further develop skills necessary in creative writing. As such it aims to speed up and improve the acquisition of these skills. It aims to leave the participants with an understanding and useful knowledge base for the further development of these skills whether for recreation, attempting a professional writing career in some specific area or for use in other career areas.