Guardian Summer School: How to write a brilliant story

Have you ever dreamed of becoming a writer? This masterclass will teach you how to free your creativity and create a brilliant story that you can be proud of. Led by some of the UK’s most inspiring authors, the course will help you to develop your storytelling skills in a fun and supportive environment.

Over the course of five days, our expert tutors will guide you through the key stages of writing a short story – from coming up with ideas and characters, to developing storylines and editing your work to make it the best it can be. Ideal for 16-19 year olds*, the course is guided by the principle that the best way to learn how to write is to write as much as possible. Each day includes practical exercises and writing sessions, where you’ll receive guidance and encouragement from our enthusiastic tutors.

By the end of the course, you’ll be amazed what you’ve achieved – you’ll have completed your own short story (1,000-1,500 words in length) and have the tools to develop your writing after the course, if you wish to do so. You’ll even have the opportunity to get your work showcased on the Guardian website, and can invite your family and friends along to a special showcase event on the final day of the course at our offices in King’s Cross.

*The course is ideal for 16-19 year olds, however we may be able to accommodate students who are slightly older than this. Please email our team for advice at masterclasses@theguardian.com

Course schedule

Day 1: Monday 17 August 2015, 10.30am-4pm
Content: How to come up with story ideas
Tutor: Laura Dockrill

The course kicks off with a lively session from Laura Dockrill, author of the much-loved Darcy Burdock books for children, where you’ll learn how to find inspiration and brainstorm ideas.

Day 2: Tuesday 18 August 2015, 10.30am-4pm
Content: Creating characters
Tutor: James Dawson

On day two, award-winning teen fiction author James Dawson will teach you how to create believable characters for your short story and bring them to life on the page.

Day 3: Wednesday 19 August 2015, 10.30am-4pm
Content: Planning and structuring a short story
Tutor: Ed Docx

On day three, novelist Ed Docx will help you to define the plot and structure of your story, and teach you lots of useful writing techniques that can be put into practice instantly.

PLEASE NOTE: Students are encouraged to use Wednesday evening to continue writing their story at home. It is advised that you spend at least two hours writing on Wednesday evening, so that you’re fully prepared for Thursday’s session on editing your work.

Day 4: Thursday 20 August 2015, 10.30am-4pm
Content: How to edit your story
Tutor: Roz Morris

On day four, author and editor Roz Morris will introduce you to some simple editing techniques that will help you make your story the best it can be.

Day 5: Friday 21 August 2015, 10.30am-4pm
Content: Finishing your story and showing it off
Tutor: Laura Dockrill

On the final day of the course, Laura Dockrill will return to help you to finish the final version of your story. After lunch, you’ll have the opportunity to invite your family and friends along to a showcase session. If you want to get involved, we’ll have a printed copy of your story available to read at the Guardian offices – and we’ll feature it on our website, too.

Parents, guardians and family friends are welcome to join us at the Guardian offices in King’s Cross from 2.30pm-4pm on Friday 21 August. Please RSVP to masterclasses@theguardian.com by Thursday 20 August if you would like to join.

Tutor profiles

Laura Dockrill is a writer, illustrator and performance poet whose work includes the much-loved Darcy Burdock books for children. She is a highly experienced tutor, having taught writing workshops for young people and adults at the Guardian and the Children’s Literature Festival. In addition to her work as a writer and creative writing tutor, she has been a roaming reporter for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize and performed her work on Newsnight, BBC Breakfast and BBC Woman’s Hour. Find out more about Laura on her website.

James Dawson is the multi-award-winning author of dark teen thrillers Hollow Pike, Cruel Summer, Say Her Name and Under My Skin. In 2014, he was awarded the Queen of Teen award, which is dedicated to celebrating authors from the world of teen fiction. James has many years of experience teaching and mentoring young people, and last year became a school role model for the charity Stonewall. Find out more about James on his website.

Ed Docx is an author, journalist and experienced creative writing tutor. He has taught many masterclasses at the Guardian, with one student describing Ed’s weekend course as ‘One of the most enjoyable weekends I’ve spent in an awfully long time, and hugely productive.’ Ed’s first novel, The Calligrapher, was published in 2003 – it was selected by the San Francisco Chronicle as a best book of the year and has now been translated into eight languages. In 2007, his second novel, Self Help, was longlisted for the Man Booker Prize and went on to win the Geoffrey Faber prize. His third novel, The Devil’s Garden, was published in 2012. Find out more about Ed on his website.

Roz Morris is a writer, fiction editor, journalist and the author of the Nail Your Novel series for writers. Her fiction has sold more than four million copies worldwide. Roz has worked as a writers’ mentor for Cornerstones Literary Consultancy, and has delivered numerous masterclasses at the Guardian. She also works as a book doctor and ghostwriter, and blogs for Writers & Artists Yearbook. Find out more about Roz on her website.

Full course and returns information on the Masterclasses website