Column-writing with George Monbiot

George Monbiot tells the stories that many would prefer not to hear. As a Guardian columnist, he confronts issues including social injustice, environmental destruction and undemocratic power.

In his first ever masterclass, George will share his experiences as a journalist and activist, and offer invaluable tips that you can apply to your own work. During the evening, he’ll give advice on everything from how to develop an authentic voice, to how to make your writing and opinions stand out from the crowd.

Course content

• Does your writing support your beliefs?
• How to convey your aims and ideals in your writing
• Persuading people that your argument is important
• Getting the attention of editors and readers
• Raising important issues through journalism
• Journalism and activism
• How to develop a distinctive and authentic voice as a writer
• Tips for developing a strong argument
• The importance of in-depth research
• Breaking into journalism – and the importance of being persistent
• Q&A

This course is for you if…

• You’re a journalist who wants to establish a stronger voice, or get commissions to cover stories that are important to you
• You write for a website or blog and want to learn how to present your arguments with skill and confidence
• You work for NGOs, lobby groups or similar and want to learn how to improve the strength of your arguments
• You’re new to writing and want to break into the industry through comment pieces or citizen journalism

Tutor profile

George Monbiot has been a Guardian columnist since 1996. He also writes a blog on the environment, social justice, and other things that make him angry. George is the author of the bestselling books The Age of Consent: A Manifesto for a New World Order and Captive State: The Corporate Takeover of Britain, as well as the investigative travel books Poisoned Arrows, Amazon Watershed and No Man’s Land. His most recent book Feral: Rewilding the Land, Sea and Human Life, lays out a new, positive environmentalism, in which nature is allowed to find its own way.

Full course and returns information on the Masterclasses website