LSJ

LONDON SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM


       
  Course Fee: £ 325 (inc vat)  
  Course Date and start time:
Tuesday 28 September 2010
 
    Nine Tuesday evenings from 6.30pm-9.00pm

The course explores the techniques of writing fiction and non-fiction through examples, writing exercises and discussion. Students do not need to have work-in-progress but should be aspiring writers to get the most from class feedback.

The lecturer is Amy Sackville, the well-known writer and tutor.

  Week 1: Why are we here?
Why do writers write? Why do readers read? Why do we tell stories?
  Week 2: The Blank page
Getting started; techniques for generating raw material. Using memory and observation. Keeping a journal. Forming good habits. Understanding your own routine.
  Week 3: Voice
Exploring tense and point of view. Creating a narrative voice.
  Week 4: Character
Creating convincing characters. Thinking about character type and function. Dialogue.
  Week 5: Location, location
Setting – considering detail and the bigger picture. Observation and imagination.
  Week 6: Plotting and Planning
To plan or not to plan? Finding a method that works for you.
Structuring your work – timeframe, narrative strands
  Week 7: Genre
What does it mean to write today?
How do genre and market expectations shape the work?
  Week 8: Sharing your work
You will present a short piece of work to the group for comments.
  Week 9: The industry
Opportunities for new writers. Competitions, resources, agents, publishers. Q&A session

 

Book: Short Story Writing (London School of Journalism 2010)
(cost included in course fees)