Creative Writing for Beginners - CANCELLED (OL12L56A)

Course overview

Through the exploration of a wide range of established writers, critical analysis and discussion you will develop confidence to overcome the blank page and start writing creatively. This course will equip you with the tools to branch out into different genres of writing and discover your creative self.

Where This is an online course.

When Tuesday, 7:00pm - 9:00pm from 22nd September 2020 until 20th October 2020 for 5 weeks.

Cost The full fee is £66.00. The concessionary fee is £34.00.

What you already need to know

You do not need previous knowledge just a keenness to tell a story and a passion for reading.

What you will learn

Exploring different sources of inspiration to get your ideas flowing - overcoming the blank page
Experiment with poetry, plays, prose, biography, memoir, an array of genres and non-fiction
Create interesting characters and compelling stories - character and plot arc
Create a sense of place and setting - it's all in the detail
Show and tell - what's the difference and how it can elevate your writing
Building believable dialogue
The importance of beginnings, middles and endings
Tips and hints from writers, how to receive feedback and where to go from here

How you will learn it

Using the online medium you will learn directly from your tutor as well as through presentations, videos, online resources and group discussion. You will have plenty of opportunity to develop your writing skills and your tutor will give you guidance and feedback.

Lisa Hilton has a Masters Degree in Creative Writing from Manchester Metropolitan University and has written a number of short stories, columns, press releases and blog articles and is currently working on her first novel.

Bring to the first session

ACRES' online courses will be taught in real time using the video platform Google Meet, supported by other online resources. To ensure you get the most out of the course and can fully participate in the sessions you will interact with your tutor and other students through speaking, listening and the chat function, as well as being able to see each other via the video links, though you can turn off your camera and microphone at any time.

You will therefore need to have access to either a laptop, computer or portable device (eg tablet or phone) (this ideally needs to be less than 5 years old), with a camera / webcam and microphone, as well as a good broadband / Wi-Fi connection.

Though it is not essential, you may choose to create a separate email account for your online learning (preferably Gmail which is most compatible with Google Meet). This will give you the added security to allow you to share your email address with your tutor and other students on the course to enhance your learning experience, without disclosing your personal information.

At the start of the course and before each lesson your tutor will send you an invitation with a link to join the class and any further information including resources and equipment you will need for the lesson.


Materials and items you will need to do the course
One of your favourite books or a book by your favourite author
A notebook, pens and a passion for reading and writing.

Extra study or practice

There will be opportunities for you to continue with your writing themes in your own time. You will find this supports your writing skills and develops your individual projects. You will also be encouraged to read widely, both fiction and non-fiction.

How to enrol

You can enrol by phoning ACRES' House on 01825 761820 on Monday to Friday between 9:30 am and 4 pm. Alternatively, to register your interest in a course please email adultlearning@acres.org.uk with the course title and your contact details and a member of the team will call you back to enrol you on your chosen course.

Previous students say

"The tutor is lovely, I have really enjoyed the course."
"Lisa encouraged me out of my comfort zone to discover new genres I never would have tried before."
"The process is strangely liberating."

Next steps within this subject with ACRES

During recent months, ACRES courses have been taught online and are proving very successful. We intend to continue to teach both online and classroom based courses and are hoping to return to face to face teaching in the New Year.
Lisa will be teaching both online and classroom based courses, ask her for more information if you wish to join her on another course.

Future steps beyond ACRES

Find out about other courses with the National Careers Service for opportunities to extend your skills and knowledge.

Further information

Please visit the ACRES website, see our brochure, or alternatively contact a member of the team on 01825 761820.