Venue: Southbank, London SE1

Address: Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London SE1

Dates: Wednesdays 13th, 20th, 27th November; 4th, 11th, 18th December 2024

Time: 6.30-8.30pm

Course Number: SB131124

Price: £347/£297 concessions (senior citizens / persons with a disability)

Duration: six weeks - one session per week of two hours

Class Size: Maximum 8 students (6 required for workshop to proceed)*

(*Once enrolled, should the course not go ahead and there is not a suitable alternative course you’d like to transfer to, you will receive a full and immediate refund. Please note: refunds via PayPal or Eventbrite usually take 3-5 working days.)

Format: In-class discussion, writing exercises, plus homework and in-depth critique, with the emphasis on developing all aspects of your work.

Age: 18 and above. (I am DBS checked)

Description: This creative writing course is suitable for beginners or writers looking for a fresh injection of inspiration, and is perfect for all genres and also those wishing to write short stories.

Course Outline: In the warm, fun and inspiring environment of London’s Southbank, you will learn the nuts and bolts of the creative process and the necessary key ingredients – character, structure, discipline, plot, theme, drama, the creation of ideas, point of view, location, editing, rewrites, delivery, the writer’s work ethic, plus a whole host more - all of
which build towards the all-important strong, dramatic and satisfying conclusion that will leave your readers wanting more.

Each week, we will focus on a particular aspect of writing:

Week 1 - The Elements of A Story: the key structure (start, middle and end) and other key ingredients required to make your novel shine, including the vital techniques of how to develop our initial idea.

Week 2 - Character: the development of your protagonist via creation of their backstory, physical description, likes and dislikes etc, so we (as the writer) get to know them as we know people in our lives. This then makes our characters much more rounded and connectable-to, as creating that bond between the reader and our characters is key for our novel’s success.

Week 3 - Dialogue: a hugely important part of writing, for it is via this that readers can really get to know our characters. Plus, as the writer, we can convey emotions, mannerisms, action, movement and so much more. Many readers feel that it is via dialogue that a story really comes to life.

Week 4 - Location: an absolutely key part of our writing, for, of course, everything happens somewhere. And locations are the canvas upon which our stories are told. So, to capture the rich textures of our locations in our writing makes for such a connectable, relatable and immersive reader experience.

Week 5 - Research: key to the authenticity, connectability and depth with which we write. We want our reader to feel ‘in the moment’ when we write, and we do this via wonderful descriptions. And to do so, we need to know the textures and character of our locations.

Week 6 - Plot twists and building to a strong, satisfying ending: the need to maintain high energy in the story (appropriate, of course, to the genre) and keep the reader guessing. This is, of course, paramount. We need to keep our readers on their toes by introducing twists and energy shifts. Making our story feel ‘alive’ and instilling a sense of uncertainty in the reader is also key to a great reader experience, especially as we build towards the final conclusion - which must justify our reader’s investment of time in reading the
preceding pages.

From the get-go, you will begin to produce work, sharing it with your fellow students (if you so wish, no pressure but highly recommended) to build your confidence, critiquing skills and the necessary thick-skin all writers must have. And over the six weeks, you will develop a writer’s work ethic and discipline to make your goals happen, seeing remarkable results each day.

At the end of the course, you will have potentially produced the first twelve-thousand words of your novel (two-thousand words per week, but again - only if you wish, no pressure), and be fired up to continue towards your end target - the completed first draft.

Reviews:

“Brilliantly structured course. The exceptional aspect is the critiqued homework from which I learnt so much. Great value for money. Best out there, surely?” Phoebe, Battersea

“I’ve always wanted to write a novel and now I’m up and running. Overjoyed! The weekly topics are fascinating and I finally see exciting potential in my plot.” Barry, Whitstable.

“Course notes are easy to follow and a great reference, the critique helped so much, and my confidence has grown through reading out my work. For anyone considering this course, my advice: don’t delay. Dominic will get you writing in no time. And it’s such a warm, friendly environment. Thanks Dominic!” Madge, Brighton

FAQ

Are there any course requirements? Yes, you’ll need basic written English skills to benefit from it, plus access to the internet for the sending and receiving of homework

Is previous creative writing experience required? No.

Are there any other costs? No.

Is there anything I need to bring? Your own writing materials – pens, paper, laptop etc.

And perhaps most importantly - why choose Creative Writer as opposed to other course providers?

I am a passionate, enthusiastic and vastly-experienced creative writing coach and published author. I know what a big step it is to put pen to paper, let alone enrol on one of these courses. So, I will be totally on your side, guiding you with positive, friendly advice and critique needed to ensure your development as a writer.

One of my favourite quotes: “Dominic tells students what they need to know, yet in a gentle, encouraging and very positive way. You’re in great hands.” Natalie, Wimbledon

Also, you will be taught in a group with a maximum number of eight students - small enough to ensure personal attention and inclusion, whilst broad enough to benefit from a cross-section of influences and inspirations. And there’s nothing like being in the company of fellow-creatives to truly get inspired.

Each week, you will receive detailed critique on your homework, guiding you on all aspects of writing, especially those particular to your style. We want you to excel on this course and to exceed your expectations.

Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me on: dominic@creative-writer.co.uk

To Enrol:

Please select your course price from the drop down menu, then enter the course number (SB131124), then add any special instructions (e.g., is this purchase a gift? If so, who for? / do you, or the recipient, require special access etc.), then click ‘Buy Now’ to be taken through to your PayPal account.

(Should you not have a PayPal account, alternative payment means are available. Please email me to discuss.)

Thank you and I hope to work with you on your writing goals.

Best wishes & happy writing!

Dominic

Dominic Canty

dominic@creative-writer.co.uk

www.creative-writer.co.uk