This course is run in partnership with Stratford-upon-Avon Literary Festival 2015. The festival’s programme offers a range of events of all different styles encompassing talks, panel debates, workshops, in-conversations and readings for both adults and children, from 27 April until 2 May in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Have you ever found yourself staring out of the window, scrolling through social media or cleaning your already-clean house when you had planned to be writing? Every author has been there. Whether you are new to writing or have lost your way through the first draft of a novel, this confidence-boosting course offers practical guidance on how to stop procrastinating, start writing and keep the momentum going.
Taught by award-winning novelist Mavis Cheek, this interactive course comprises talks, discussions and hands-on exercises that will help you kickstart the writing process or recharge your creative batteries. You’ll learn how to stop hesitating and get to work on the key components of the author’s toolbox – character, setting and dialogue. You’ll also receive valuable pointers on research, and learn how to structure your story to make it enjoyable and memorable for readers.
Mavis’ infectious enthusiasm will ensure that you leave the course with a renewed determination and sense of direction about how to progress your own work – allowing you to write the book you have always had in you.
This course is for you if…
- You are new to writing and want guidance on how to get started on a work of fiction
- You have already started writing the first draft of your novel but have stalled and need guidance on how to resume the writing process
- You have a basic plot for your novel but want help with developing character, dialogue and setting
Course description
This interactive course teaches writers how to get started on their novel or resume work on a first draft. Attendees will receive advice on the writing process, as well as practical pointers on character, setting, dialogue, structure and research. During the course, attendees will take part in discussions and have the opportunity to receive feedback on creative writing exercises carried out during the class. Topics covered on the day include:
- How to get your ideas out of your head and onto the page
- The author’s basic toolbox: character, setting, dialogue
- Form and structure
- Essential research tips for writers
- ‘Show don’t tell’ – how to tell a story that readers will enjoy
- How to keep momentum and enjoy the writing process
- Practical exercises and workshops, including feedback
- Q&A and group discussion with Mavis Cheek
Tutor profile
Mavis Cheek is a novelist and columnist who has written fifteen books to date. Her novels include Mrs Fytton’s Country Life, Janice Gentle Gets Sexy and Truth to Tell. Mavis’ 1998 debut, Pause Between Acts, won the She/John Menzies first novel prize. She has served on both PEN and The Society of Authors committees and was for three years the judge of the McKitterick Prize for Fiction. She is a Fellow of MacDowell Colony in the US and has been the Royal Literature Fund Fellow at both Chichester University and the University of Reading. Mavis has been teaching creative writing since 1989, having run residential courses for organisations including the Arvon Foundation and the Centre for Literature at Ty Newydd in Wales. Find out more about Mavis on her website.
Details
This course has now passed – but we update our programme all the time. For information on our full range of masterclasses, sign up to our newsletter, follow us on Twitter, or keep an eye on our calendar.
To contact us, click here. Terms and conditions can be found here.
Returns policy
Tickets may be refunded if you contact us at least 14 days before the course start date. Please see our terms and conditions for more information on our refund policy.
