Yes, you can write: an introduction to creative writing

A Certificate of Attendance is awarded to participants who attended daily lectures for the duration of the course.

This tutor-led, in-person course is 3 days in duration and is made up of 7 sessions for a total of 10.5 contact hours.

Dates: 25 - 27 April 2025

Summary of content

The course sets out to cover some of the basic ingredients that make up creative writing in both fiction and non-fiction. These include description, character, plot structure and narrative voice. You will be encouraged to share your work on the understanding that these are rough drafts and not polished perfection; and everyone can learn from everyone else. Though the emphasis will be on practical exercises and sheer enjoyment of writing, we’ll also scrutinise and critique different types of published writing, gaining insights from an understanding of their strengths and weaknesses.

Session 1: From a potato to an octopus. A worry-free guide to creative writing

Session 2: Whose story is it anyway? – finding your writing voice

Session 3: Building your world – mastering descriptive skills

Session 4: Plotting the storyline – how to develop your narrative

Session 5: Divertimento – an evening exercise playing with words  

Session 6: Getting into character – how to handle personality

Session 7: Nuts and bolts – a round-up session in which we look at techniques for improving style and the all-important editing process

Learning outcomes

As a result of the course, students will gain a greater understanding of the subject and should be able to:

• complete the course having gained more confidence in your writing ability  

• feel more comfortable in exercising your writing muscles in different ways

• leave the course with a desire to continue writing creatively beyond the confines of the classroom