WS1107      Monday 10.00-12.00, 5 sessions from 9th January                                     

WS1108      Wednesday 19.00-21.00, 5 sessions from 11th January .. Sorry this course is cancelled

Ways to begin writing poetry using both modern and traditional forms and styles; how to write in various ways (pairs, groups, whole group); the uses of poetry; a gentle introduction to commenting on others’ poetry; how to get your poems read.  The course will include exercises and activities, discussion, note-taking and homework.  You will practise reading, listening and performing and will enjoy a lively group experience.

WS1109      Wednesday 19.00-21.00, 6 sessions from 22nd February

The course will lead you through the basics of playwriting.  We will examine what makes a play different from other forms of creative writing and will read and analyse a variety of play texts.  We will consider character, narrative and setting.  Sessions will combine tuition, discussion and creative exercises to encourage you to engage and explore and you will be encouraged to share ideas with the group so as to develop your work. 

WS1115    Monday 19.00-21.00, 5 sessions from 9th January

We will learn the basic elements of television drama and how to focus an idea into a structured form, how to develop a storyline and create characters.  There will be a PowerPoint presentation of information and examples supported with DVD clips and extracts from original TV drama documents.  There will be in-class exercises and simple ‘at home’ assignments to bring back into the classroom.

WS1117     Monday 19.00-21.00, 6 sessions from 20th February        

WS1118     Wednesday 10.00-12.00, 6 sessions from 22nd February Sorry this course is cancelled, however, there are spaces on the identical WS1117 course

WS1119     Monday 10.00-12.00, 6 sessions from 20th February       Sorry this course is cancelled

You will learn to promote yourself and your fiction on the Live Lit circuit.  We will consider which aspects of a story work well in a spoken word context.  Over the course, using writing exercises, you will write a story from scratch or adapt an existing story and develop your performance skills.   Workshops will include some set reading, in-class writing exercises and some homework.  A possible field trip to Short Fuse will offer chance to try out flash fiction on the open mic.

WS1120       Monday 19.00-21.00, 5 sessions from 20th February .....Sorry this course is cancelled

Jean will share with group members her considerable skills in creating poetry especially for the stage.  You will learn the nature of performance poetry, and how it differs from poetry written for the printed page.  You will gain an insight into types and styles of poems, learn how to note them down, and how to perform from your own notes.  Through exercises you will create your own poems, and use simple breathing techniques to assist in performance.

Novel Writing Workshop              Rod Duncan with guest tutors

This course is sold in 2 blocks (September to December, and January to March)

WS1102       Discounted fee for the complete course                              

The only way to learn the craft of the novelist is to write a novel.  If that is what you are planning or have already started to do, this course will make the process of writing and editing easier and more enjoyable.  This course is built around workshopping:  sharing your work in progress, receiving constructive feedback, hearing other aspiring novelists sharing their work and offering your own feedback to them.  In addition the tutor may give occasional short writing activities to address questions that have arisen.

We are planning a day with an agent in spring 2012 when selected students from this course will get chance to pitch their novel idea/take part in a one-to-one session.

WS1103  Tuesday 19.00-21.00, 12 sessions from 13th September (no meeting on 18th October)

WS1124  Wednesday 10.00-12.00              5 sessions from 11th January

A course aimed at writers with some experience.  We will begin each session with one or two short exercises designed to generate story ideas or practise writing skills.  Most of the time, however, will be given over to the reading and discussion of students’ work.  If you require inspiration or would like a bit of feedback on your stories, then this is the place for you.

WS1125   Monday 12.30-14.30       6 sessions from 20th February

Build up a collection of your own poetry with friendly in-group help and opinions : perfect it, present it, perform it, and send it into the big wide world.  6 workshops will help you decide what is the best of your poetry writing, who you would like to please with it, and how to make the most of it.  A relaxed atmosphere for an intense task.