Creative Writing - beginning your first novel (OL12L79F)

Course overview

Maybe you have an idea or maybe you simply want to explore your creativity through writing. Through this small, friendly online class you will learn how and where to get started.
Through the exploration of a 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 Monday, 7:00pm - 9:00pm from 7th June 2021 until 26th July 2021 for 8 weeks.

Cost The full fee is £113.00. The concessionary fee is £62.00.

What you already need to know

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

What you will learn

1. How to overcome the blank page and create ideas
2. Genre - which one is for you?
3. How to create your characters
4. Plot, plot, plot
5. The difficult opening
6. How to write authentic dialogue
7. Show NOT tell your reader
8. The next step

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.

By practising the craft of writing in class and at home
Through participating in writing activities, discussions, sensory workshops and small group work that will encourage you to establish and develop the fundamental skills of creative writing.
By considering the work of established writers as inspiration for your own writing.
By sharing your work and discussing both your own and your fellow students' development

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

A creative notebook you can use for the whole course, pencils, pens, enthusiasm, and a love of writing.

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.

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

• Please email us at adultlearning@acres.org.uk with the course code and title and your contact details and a member of the team will call you back to enrol you on your chosen course over the phone.
• Alternatively, please complete our digital enrolment form electronically and return by email to adultlearning@acres.org.uk.

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

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 our website at www.acreslearning.org.uk, see our brochure, or alternatively contact a member of the team on 01825 761820.