Affiliate Program

Fiction Know-How

Deborah Sutton

Course ID: LC025

Current Openings: Yes

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Course Type:

Private Mentoring

Objective:

This comprehensive course will give beginning writers a solid foundation in the craft of fiction writing. By the end of the course writers will understand and be able to use the main techniques of characterisation; dialogue; plotting and pace; mood, setting and tone; the importance of theme; and how to use point-of-view to maximize effect. Right from the start you will be writing and exploring your own ideas.

Learner Prerequisites

None

Start Date New course will begin April 1st, 2005
Duration 10 lessons in a 10 week period.
Limit Places restricted to a maximum of 10 learners.
Class Materials All course materials are supplied. You bring your imagination and your willingness to write.
Cost $260
Tutorial Option Additional mentoring and critiquing is available from the instructor. The fee is $45 per hour. Please contact deanwlc@writinglearningcentre.com to register.

Course Outline

Lesson 1: Introduction to Fiction

  • A broad overview of what fiction is and is not. Writing tasks to get started with tips on freewriting and idea-gathering.

Lesson 2: Characterization

  • Without characters there is no story - we start here with a method of exploring how story springs from character, and how characters may be created.

Lesson 3: 1st Person Narrative

  • When to use and not use; the advantages and disadvantages.

Lesson 4: 3rd person Narrative

  • How altering the point of view can widen the scope of the story.

Lesson 5: Plot Development

  • Having created characters earlier in the course, this module takes a closer look at ways to find those characters' stories.

Lesson 6: Dialogue

  • How and when to use and the functions of dialogue in fiction.

Lesson 7: Storytelling Traditions

  • An exploration into what has gone before with a look at fairy stories and how these story 'models' may be used as a springboard for contemporary fiction.

Lesson 8: Setting, Mood and Tone

  • How to make sure they all match in order to give the story cohesion and the illusion of reality.

Lesson 9: Theme

  • Understanding how theme works can help in the creation of stories that linger in the reader's mind.

Lesson 10: Metaphor and Simile

  • When and how to use to give added depth and meaning. Exploration of ways to find original examples.

Instructor Bio

Deborah is published in both short and novel length fiction as well as non-fiction. She holds a first class degree (hons) in Creative Writing and is a qualified further education teacher.

"I’ve been helping writers to develop and hone their skills for many years, and nothing gives me more pleasure than seeing writers going from strength to strength to published. People often ask if Creative Writing can be taught, and my answer is always a resounding Yes! Like any other craft, writing has its ‘tricks of the trade’ and through this course I’ll show you what they are and how you can use them to increase the pleasure and profitability in your own writing."