Advanced Novel Writing Workshop

Do you want to workshop a novel in progress but can’t motivate yourself to (re)start? Or do you have an idea for a novel that you’ve been mulling on for years that you can’t quite find the time or the support to pursue?

This course is for students who have some previous experience of novel writing, either through a previous course or perhaps through self-publishing, who wish to develop their fiction writing skills in a supportive and reflective group setting.

The course focuses on drafting, editing and structuring (especially for students who already have a clear project in mind) but there is also space for experienced writers to start something new.

Learning and teaching

The module will be delivered through ten 2-hour sessions, made up of workshops, class discussions, and small group work.

This course is not suitable for beginners. Students with no prior experience of creative writing should consider completing Novel Writing Workshop in the first instance or one of our Starting to Write courses

Other relevant experience or prior learning from other providers will also be warmly welcomed.

For further advice or queries about suitabilty, please contact the Coordinating Lecturer for Humanities, Dr Michelle Deininger DeiningerMJ@cardiff.ac.uk

Syllabus

Topics are likely to include:

• Structure and form
• Style, Pace & Genre
• Character
• Editing and Becoming Unstuck
• Getting published

Coursework and assessment

To award credits we need to have evidence of the knowledge and skills you have gained or improved.

Some of this has to be in a form that can be shown to external examiners so that we can be absolutely sure that standards are met across all courses and subjects.

The most important element of assessment is that it should enhance your learning.

Our methods are designed to increase your confidence and we try very hard to devise ways of assessing you that are enjoyable and suitable for adults with busy lives.

The basis of assessment will be an extract from a novel, a chapter outline, and a reflective account of the writing and editing process (c. 2000 words in total).

Unlike most of our introductory courses, this course is marked on a percentage basis.

Reading suggestions

A full reading list will be provided.

Library and computing facilities

As a student on this course you are entitled to join and use the University’s library and computing facilities. Find out more about using these facilities.

Accessibility

Our aim is access for all. We aim to provide a confidential advice and support service for any student with a long term medical condition, disability or specific learning difficulty. We are able to offer one-to-one advice about disability, pre-enrolment visits, liaison with tutors and co-ordinating lecturers, material in alternative formats, arrangements for accessible courses, assessment arrangements, loan equipment and dyslexia screening.