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How to make your ideas work on the page in partnership with Stratford-upon-Avon Literary Festival 2015
Date and time
Location
Stratford Artshouse
The Civic Hall 14 Rother Street Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6LU United KingdomRefund Policy
Description
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.
Full course and returns information on the Masterclasses website
Organized by
Welcome to Guardian Masterclasses – a unique programme of learning embedded within one of the world's most forward-thinking media organisations.
We offer a broad range of short and long courses across a variety of disciplines from creative writing, journalism, photography and design, film and digital media, music and cultural appreciation.
Harnessing the expertise and specialisms within the organisation, our courses are led by first class and award winning guardian professionals whilst also drawing on the skills and expertise of other leading figures at the forefront of the creative and digital industries.
The programme is aimed at anyone interested in personal or professional development whether that be refining your skills, focusing your ambition or simply broadening your mind and gaining inspiration.