Storytelling Fundamentals: From Planning to the Page

10 weekly sessions on campus, on Wednesdays at 7-9pm, starting from Wednesday 8 October, excluding Wednesday 12 November - we are no longer taking enrolments for this course.

Overview

Designed for writers of all levels, this course delves into the art of storytelling, from finding inspiration to crafting compelling characters and plots. Whether you're a new writer eager to pen your first story, or a seasoned wordsmith honing your craft, this short course offers valuable insights and practical techniques to bring your ideas to life on the page. Each session blends theory with hands-on exercises, enabling you to explore key concepts and apply them in creative ways.

Through engaging discussions and interactive workshops, you'll analyse exemplary works of fiction and uncover the secrets behind their success. From describing settings to character development exercises, each class offers a balance of theory and practice, fostering a supportive environment for experimentation and growth. Join us for an enriching experience that will ignite your creativity, sharpen your storytelling skills, and propel your writing journey to new heights!

Syllabus

Week 1: Starting structure: the beginning of the end or the end of the middle?
Week 2: A mail order catalogue from Cincinnati: where writers get their ideas...
Week 3: The sprint - planning and pacing a short story
Week 4: The marathon: planning and pacing a novel
Week 5: Constructing places
Week 6: Your stories - feedback week
Week 7: Growing characters
Week 8: Viewpoint: the distance between the teller and the tale
Week 9: Back to the start - beginnings
Week 10: Your stories - feedback week.

Course lecturer

Dr Em Segar has been teaching continuing education classes in creative writing for 18 years, and lectures in English and Creative Arts at Edge Hill University. Their PhD is in interactive fiction, and their own practice is primarily speculative and YA fiction.

Course fee

Standard fee: £155
Concession fee: £80.