Creative Writing - Short Stories (OL12N71C)
The skill of a short story is creating an impact in a small space. Whether you are writing for pleasure, or to submit your work, you will learn how to construct a measured piece of believable fiction, where every word will earn its place in your story.
Course overview
Short stories are different from other types of creative writing. The plot, characters, message and mood you want your readers to enjoy, must make an impact in a small space so every word must earn its place in your story.
Whether you are writing for pleasure, or to submit your work to competitions or for publication, you will learn how to construct a measured work of fiction.
Where This is an online course.
When
Tuesday, 7:00pm - 9:00pm from 18th January 2022 until 15th March 2022 for 8 weeks.
15th February (Half Term)
Cost
The full fee is £108.00.
The concessionary fee is £55.00.
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
- Know your audience - research competition requirements
- Create characters with depth in compelling settings - character and plot arc
- Set the scene - it's all in the detail
- Show and tell - what's the difference and how it can elevate your writing
- Snappy dialogue - get to the point
- The importance of beginnings, middles and endings
- Edit, edit, edit!
- Submitting your work, receiving 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.
- 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.
Bring to the first session
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
"This course gave me so much to think about. I came away each week with my head bursting with ideas."
"Lisa encouraged me out of my comfort zone to discover new genres I never would have tried before."
"The process is strangely liberating."
Additional Course Information
- Concessionary/reduced fees, are available to students in receipt of certain means-tested benefits on some courses.
- Course fees over £133, can be paid in one single payment at enrolment or in instalments by Standing Order where applicable.
- Fees and payment options: See the Financial Support page.
- Other course related information: See the Policies & Procedures page, or contact the ACRES office.
Specific Covid Considerations:
In the event of restrictions being reintroduced and if the class is remaining in the venue, you will be informed of further safety measures. If the lessons cannot take place because the tutor has to isolate or in the event of government-imposed restrictions or lockdowns, every effort will be made to reschedule the missed classes. If it is not possible to continue the course in the venue it will be continued online. If this is not possible we will refund the outstanding lessons.
To ensure Safe Practice during practical sessions:
- Class numbers are reduced to allow students to space apart.
- Students should work at separate tables or desks.
- Hand sanitiser will be available in all classrooms.
- You are responsible for sanitising your own workspace before and after each lesson, anti-bacterial wipes or spray will be provided by the tutor.
- Wearing a mask is a personal choice. Please respect the choices of your tutor and fellow students.
- Windows and doors left open to allow for room ventilation should not be adjusted by students.
- Sharing of equipment is discouraged, but if it is essential, please use the wipes / spray provided to clean between handling.
- Please make yourself aware of local guidance, particularly in community venues.
You must not attend the class if you show signs or symptoms of Covid-19, are awaiting results of a PCR Covid test, have been in close contact with a Covid-19 patient within 14 days or anyone who has been advised to self isolate for any reason. Please inform the ACRES' office, who will advise the tutor.
All tutors, students and visitors are encouraged to participate in rapid lateral flow testing in the interest of everybody's safety, however, this is not a mandatory requirement. Test kits are readily available locally or from the
gov website.
Next steps within this subject with ACRES
Creative Writing classes will continue online in April 2022.
Future steps beyond ACRES
Find out about other courses with the
National Careers Service for opportunities to extend your skills and knowledge
