Creative Writing Course      [download pdf brochure]

This three-day course offers a solid framework for your creative writing in a safe, positive environment. It is a beginners course, and covers all the basics in a step by step manner. Previous writing experience is not required. This course offers you

• a supportive environment to discuss your writing plans and the hurdles you face when writing.
• practical writing exercises to stimulate creativity when you feel stuck
• insight into how telling stories aloud can help you with the writing process
• awareness of how much stories are needed to teach, to challenge and to inspire us.
• tips on who to show your work to during the writing process and who to avoid until the work has been completed
• publishing avenues available to new and experienced writers, including self publishing

Most of us have a story to tell, whether it’s about a childhood, a friend, a parent or a family history. Putting that story into a readable form is what this course is about.

The course is based on Paul’s experience as an author of ten non-fiction books, one novel, six children’s books (currently being illustrated), numerous columns and short stories. This Creative Writing Course is approached in a practical manner.

It includes games, exercises and demonstrations, along with regular writing sessions to enable you to build your confidence in the techniques offered.

Students are given written homework to complete between classes to help them to build positive writing habits.

Why complete a writing course?

Writing takes many forms and requires different skills, according to the type of writing being produced. You may need practical assistance in developing successful writing skills. These skills include

• Research of a subject, a location or a time period for authenticity.
• A map of the writing project if it is a lengthy work, to avoid losing your way in the writing of the work
• A list of the topics to be covered if the work is non-fiction.
• A description of the characters, their backgrounds, current circumstances, desires, fears and motivations if the work is fiction.
• A routine for writing, such as one day each week or two three-hour evening sessions per week.
• A supportive editor, yet one who is also honest and practical when reviewing your work

Notes

Basic notes, exercise sheets and self assessment forms accompany this course and students are free to take notes. A workbook is given to each student at the beginning of the course. As most of the day involves hands-on exercises, you’ll learn through doing than through writing notes. Bring a pen, pad and some story ideas or you.