Our Course Programme

September - Easter

What makes a good ghost story?  How can writers avoid clichéd plots and stereotypical characters?  How important is the dark and stormy night?  Do we need a creepy castle and things that go bump?  Can a ghost story be funny?

During this day, writers will find the answers to these questions.  We’ll be looking at, and learning from, classic and modern ghost stories.  Short exercises will help writers understand how to generate a chilling atmosphere and build tension into their stories.  Discussion of family anecdotes will help recognise which ingredients give a ghost story longevity and believability.  By the end of the day, writers should have an outline or first draft of a ghostly tale.

One-day course at BBC Leicester, 9 St Nicholas Place, Leicester LE1 5LB

The East Midlands is a treasure house of ‘Folk Carols’ still sung in village pubs, and by traditional singers such as Coope, Boyes and Simpson.  No previous experience of songwriting or music is required to book on to this one-day course and add to the tradition by writing your own carol or song – it could be Christian, Pagan, Spiritual or Secular.

We will start the day with a brief look at a variety of carols and songs, drawing out and analysing common themes and structures.  Then we will consider issues such as rhyme and rhythm before moving on to produce some verses.  In the second half of the day there will be a short introduction to melody and harmony, which we will then apply to set our words to music.  By the end of the day we will each have created at least a verse, perhaps even a whole song, and will leave with knowledge of how to continue writing.

There will be a keyboard available and learners are welcome to bring an acoustic instrument, such as a guitar, if they wish.  The tutor will also provide a web page with links to online resources, tutorials etc for further learning.

It is hoped that there will be chance to link this course into a wider BBC Leicester event.

The Heard Word:  How to Write for Radio

This fun course will include a behind-the-scenes tour of BBC Leicester and a hands-on radio writing workshop.  Through discussion and tiny writing exercises, writers will learn how to avoid the pitfalls, employ the strengths and explore the potential of spoken-word stories. 

Keeping a Writer’s Notebook

Keeping a notebook is one of the most basic skills of a writer’s daily routine.  Recognise the difference between a writer’s notebook, diary and journal.  Find out how to make your notebook reflect and strengthen your individuality as a writer.  Discover new ways to re-read it and use what you have collected to generate more polished, finished writing.  We will use written exercises, brainstorming and quizzes.

Writing a Press Release

Ideal for members of Clubs and similar organisations – chance to find out how to tap into the many opportunities that exist to give your club or event valuable free press or media coverage.

We will look at what makes a good press release and how the press release is used.  We will identify how to structure it, how to set it out, and when and where to send it.  The course will consider your own organisation and will identify new ways and places to promote your events.

Designing and Setting Up a Writer’s Website

Build an author's website in 2 days.  A web design workshop spread over 2
Saturdays, 3 weeks apart.  This hands-on course will take place in a
well-equipped IT teaching room.  Aimed primarily at writers, it will teach how
to set up a basic website using internet-based template software.  No HTML or
coding knowledge is required but students should be confident in using a PC or
Apple Mac computer.  This course will involve a simple to use template system
and will cover website design, layout and how to insert text and pictures. 
Having some text prepared before the course is essential and advice on content
will be given when booking.  The basic website hosting package is free, but
learners will have the opportunity to upgrade to a more professional package
for a small annual charge.  There will be advice on creating meta tags and
recognising how search engines work, and on how to set up a blog as part of an
author's website.

By the end of the course, individual participants will have a simple live
website with free hosting and will know how to upgrade their site if they wish
to do so.