How do writers craft stories that are compelling, thought-provoking, and original? What are the building-blocks of successful fiction writing, and what can we learn from writers past and present — including each other?
Each week, students will explore a key concept of story-telling, such as point-of-view
characterisation
dialogue
plot
structure and planning
voice and tone
description and imagery
location and place
editing and re-editing
theme. They will also take part in writing workshops, developing their skills as an editor of their own work and that of others.
They will reflect on and experiment with different choices — understanding these aspects of craft not as fixed rules, but as possibilities, frameworks and approaches that will help them to find their own voice and create robust, considered and meaningful works of fiction.
Lecture 8, Workshop 24
2,500 words Portfolio. Assessment Details: Portfolio worth 75%.
500 words Reflective exercise. Assessment Details: Reflective exercise worth 25%.
Reassessment Method: Single instrument 100% written assessment (2000 words)
On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
Analyse and reflect upon a range of short stories and extracts from novels as technical exemplars of the principles of fiction writing
Identify and evaluate critically the technical and stylistic choices open to writers of contemporary fiction.
Identify technical and stylistic choices, and apply them to their own creative writing
Discuss both exemplar texts and the work of their peers with open-mindedness and curiosity, and communicate their responses effectively in a portfolio and a reflective exercise
Evaluate and apply close reading and editorial skills in appropriate ways to their own work and that of others
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