Inside Creative Writing

What is the relationship between writers and writing? How can reading shape a writer’s craft?

This practical module introduces students to some of the main genres within the discipline, including the short story, poetry and creative non-fiction through both theory and practice.

Sessions will focus on issues relating to writers and writing, as well as participation in writing workshops about the writing process, revision, editing and reflection.

The primary aim of the module is to give students the knowledge and understanding to undertake more sustained or sophisticated writing projects, and to hone critical reflection and feedback skills. The module forms part of the Inside Narratives Pathway but students wishing to study the module on a standalone basis are more than welcome to enrol.

Learning and teaching

There will be two-hour meetings once a week (18 contact hours in all) which will include discussions, exercises, craft lectures and workshops.

Learners will be encouraged to read the texts introduced and obtain feedback from the tutor and other members of the group.

Online provision will be made available through Learning Central with relevant links to resources and class handouts and PowerPoint presentations.

Indicative schedule:

• Week 1: Introduction to Creative Writing and Critical Practice
• Week 2: Writers on Writing
• Week 3: Writing narrative
• Week 4: Short Forms 1
• Week 5: Short Forms 2
• Week 6: Poetry and Poetic Language 1
• Week 7: Poetry and Poetic Language 2
• Week 8: Beyond Fiction: Creative non-fiction
• Week 9: Conclusions

Coursework and assessment

Students will be assessed via a portfolio of creative writing (80%) and a critical commentary (20%).

The commentary, in the form of a reflective journal, will enable students to explore their own creative practice and to engage with wider reading in the discipline.

Reading suggestions

• Atwood, Margaret; (2003); Negotiating with the Dead: A Writer on Writing; London: Virago
• Mills, Paul; (2006); The Routledge Creative Writing Coursebook; Abingdon: Routledge
• Moran, Joe; (2018); First You Write A Sentence: The Elements of Reading, Writing…and Life; London: Penguin
• Nasta, Susheila (ed); (2004); Writing Across Worlds: Contemporary Writers Talk; Abingdon: Routledge
• Pullman, Phillip; (2018); Daemon Voices: Essays On Storytelling; Oxford: David Fickling Books
• Williams, Kate et al; (2012); Reflective Writing; London: Palgrave Macmillan
• Yorke, John; (2013); Into The Woods; London: Penguin

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.