Creative Writing for Beginners

Aim of Course:  The aim of this course is to give support, instruction and feedback to students who are interested in writing either fiction (short stories, novels) or poetry.

Content:

One learns to write creatively by (a) reading the works of other writers and (b) practice, practice, practice!  The latter will be achieved through engaging with the exercises assigned in this course.  They will help the student build discipline and confidence as well as experience with different styles and genres of writing.  Students will share their completed exercises with others in the class and will receive feedback from them as well as the instructor.  A mutually supportive atmosphere will be established.  Writing is a lonely business; community is therefore important for the writer, and we will seek to establish a fist community within the group. 

The class will work on techniques for forming ideas and getting started; engaging the reader’s senses; using figures of speech effectively; being alert to the importance of the sound of words, the rhythm of writing; how to manage the truth in a fictitious piece; the different forms of poetry; awareness of character and point of view in fiction; editing and polishing work.

Whether the student seeks publication, self-expression, a rewarding hobby (or possibly all three), this course is a wonderful place to start.

Creative Writing for Beginners

Fee:   €120

Duration:  One class per week, for 8 weeks from 7.30pm – 9.30pm

Location:  GMIT Dublin Road Campus

Lecturer: Susan Millar DuMars

Start date: Wednesday 10 February 2010

For your convenience, a Postal Application (pdf file) can be downloaded