This work-in-progress course helps you write the story you want to tell.
12 Weeks from 7th January 2025
@ £380 (includes 1-to-1 review with the tutor)
Tuesdays, 7.15 - 8.55pm, Online via Zoom
This course helps you get your novel into shape, whether you are starting out or have a finished draft. Also suitable for those working on novellas or short stories. Weeks alternate between feedback and sessions in writer's craft.
To apply, you are invited to submit a one-page sample of prose, a brief outline of your idea, your writing experience to date and why you would like to do the course.
To apply, you are invited to submit a one-page sample of prose, a brief outline of your idea, your writing experience to date and why you would like to do the course.
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"I have attended several courses by Samantha and highly recommend them. They are a serious learning opportunity and also great fun. Her teaching and tutoring develop your understanding and skill in creative writing. She provides material and exercises that inspire your imagination. And her critiques always encourage and give you wise pointers for improving your work." - Christine
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'I really look forward to Tuesdays!' - Kate
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The course is an opportunity to commit to your project whilst also being fun.
This is for you if:
This is for you if:
- you have an idea for a story you want to explore, have written a few chapters, or completed a first draft you want to develop
- you struggle to find the time to write on your own
- you benefit from working to deadlines
- you enjoy writing and are looking to find a story to tell
On this course, you will:
Course Programme:
Weeks alternate between feedback sessions and the study of published texts with exercises that address craft issues that arise from the feedback sessions. Help ranges from ways to develop rich, evocative narrative to getting to grips with structure and making characters palpable, scenes immersive and dialogue moving. Examples of some of what is covered:
Close reading of published literature gives us valuable insight into methods and choices in terms of language structure, subject matter, personal revelation, the relationship which is created between the writer and the reader among many other aspects.
Advice will be given on how to read to inform your writing, and what to look out for.
- Learn how to structure your story and scenes
- Create characters your readers engage with
- Receive clear, in-depth explanations with lots of examples from published fiction
- Build your story and submit extracts for comment on a bi-weekly basis
- Participate in feedback and apply your critical and editorial skills to your own work
- Receive verbal and written feedback, insightful critique, and encouragement from the tutor
Course Programme:
Weeks alternate between feedback sessions and the study of published texts with exercises that address craft issues that arise from the feedback sessions. Help ranges from ways to develop rich, evocative narrative to getting to grips with structure and making characters palpable, scenes immersive and dialogue moving. Examples of some of what is covered:
- Language, the Role of Images and the Senses
- Ideas and Where to Find Them
- Character, Relationship and Emotion
- Character, Psychological Depth and Viewpoint
- Dialogue and the Body
- Setting and Figurative language
- Plotting and Story Arc
- Narration, Voice and Tone
- Time and Pace
- Openings and Chapter Endings
- Sustaining Momentum and Raising the Stakes
- Exposition and Backstory
- Revising and Editing
Close reading of published literature gives us valuable insight into methods and choices in terms of language structure, subject matter, personal revelation, the relationship which is created between the writer and the reader among many other aspects.
Advice will be given on how to read to inform your writing, and what to look out for.
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Classes with Samantha are fun, relaxed and inspiring. Students learn quickly with lots of opportunity to share their writing.
"Under Samantha's guidance, I was able to sit and unveil my ideas in a welcoming space, being motivated and inspired. Every session brought butterflies of joy throughout my body!" - Silvia "I enjoyed Samantha’s novel writing course immensely. She is a brilliant teacher, full of creative techniques and ideas. She is both encouraging and fun and left me wanting more! If you are considering enrolling on one of her courses, don’t hesitate, whether you’re a beginner or further along, you won’t regret enlisting her help! Thanks Samantha." - Joy |
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" I have enjoyed ‘working out’ in the safe and stimulating online space Samantha has created in the Writing A Novel course. She gently facilitates the mysterious creative process with a range of writing exercises whilst introducing us newbies into some of her well practiced techniques for making a novel “work”. The learning set she facilitates with the use of breakout rooms and reading from work in progress maximises our learning. For someone hesitant to ‘put their (writing) head above the parapet’ the online environment works very well and I found I rapidly shed my self consciousness within this group setting. I’ll be back next term for more!" - Dr Matthew E.