This course will give you the confidence and skills to get you started on your creative writing journey.

Approximate course length: 2 hours

This course is for:

If you have always dreamed of being a writer but you are unsure where to start, this taster session could be the perfect introduction.

The course will cover:

Do you love the idea of writing and creating stories? But are you unsure if a creative writing course is for you? Or are you worried what might be expected of you if you join a creative writing course?

Do you find yourself bursting with ideas that you long to get out of your head and onto the page?

Do you enjoy reading books and writing stories? You’re in the right place!

In this taster session we will explore:

• What creative writing is, and some of the techniques that are needed to bring ideas onto the page.

• Practical tools to help develop your creativity muscle and build your writing routine.

• How to move forward with your creative writing.

• Creative writing prompts - you will have a least three story ideas that you could take forward.

• How to have fun with creative writing.

This course will be delivered remotely using Zoom so you will be part of a live class, with a tutor, but with everyone doing the course in their own home.

There will be plenty of opportunities to ask questions and share your work, if you feel happy to do so.

Work outside of sessions:

This is not required, though we hope you will want to put what you have learned into practice and use these tools to develop your writing.

Additional costs and what to prepare:

There are no other costs for this course. You might want a pen and paper, laptop or tablet so that you can make your own notes. Handouts may be provided.

You will need either a smart phone, tablet, laptop or other computer with internet access to take part in this Zoom session. Please make sure you test your video and sound system before the session starts.

To download information about your course visit:

How to access your course:

You will be sent an email at least 24 hours before your course is due to start with joining instructions (including the link to the Zoom meeting/ course).

Progression from this course:

You may wish to progress onto some of our other creative writing courses and workshops such as ‘Exploring Creative Writing’.

Discuss your next steps with your tutor or centre staff.

For further information on our Spring term programme or on the additional support we offer visit: derbyshire.gov.uk/adulteducation

Booking:

Before booking onto this course, please read the Derbyshire Adult Education Learner Entitlement

When you book onto the course you need to provide Personal Information. To see the privacy notice issued by the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA), on behalf of the Secretary of State for the Department of Education (DfE), please visit Education and Skills Funding Agency privacy notice: April 2019

What can you expect from DACES?

Safeguarding and Prevent

Whilst on our on-line courses you can expect a safe space, free from abuse, bullying, discrimination or threat. Click on the following link for more information: Safeguarding and Prevent

If you have any concerns/queries regarding safeguarding/prevent please report these to your tutor or email: adult.education@derbyshire.gov.uk

Further information:

We are offering a reduced programme of courses in our centres which is subject to change due to the current COVID 19 situation. For more information and to view our Spring 2020 brochure visit our website

You can also keep up to date with the learning opportunities that we currently have through our Facebook page.

Or sign up for our newsletter Adult Community Education Newsletter

We wish you every success with your course. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any comments or enquiries at adult.education@derbyshire.gov.uk

Careers Support:

Careers Service

Do you need help to discover your digital skills and to look for online learning/courses? Or do you want help with finding and applying for jobs?

Derbyshire County Council Careers Service offers impartial information, advice and guidance to adults on employment and learning.

Our staff are experienced and qualified to a minimum of Level 4 in Information, Advice and Guidance

✔Friendly, supportive and adaptable to learner needs

✔Impartial and able to advise on and refer to a wide range of local provision

During the COVID-19 outbreak our centres are closed for face-to-face appointments, but we’re still offering impartial information, advice and guidance in other ways. Support will be available via video calls, telephone, text and / or email.

Please get in contact with your local Careers Coach:

Becky Stancill 07767 670797 becky.stancill@derbyshire.gov.ukAmber Valley - AlfretonBolsover and North East Derbyshire - Bolsover / Clay Cross / ShirebrookChris Ellerington 07896 804096 chris.ellerington@derbyshire.gov.ukAmber Valley - HeanorErewash - Ilkeston / Long EatonSouth Derbyshire and South Dales - Swadlincote

Sarah Kelly 07967 391263 sarah.kelly@derbyshire.gov.ukHigh Peak and North Dales - Buxton / Glossop / New MillsWendy Leigh 07717 303855 wendy.leigh@derbyshire.gov.ukAmber Valley - AlfretonBolsover and North East Derbyshire - Dronfield / EckingtonChesterfield - Chesterfield / Staveley

Yvonne Power 07967 308873 yvonne.lawton@derbyshire.gov.ukAmber Valley - BelperHigh Peak and North Dales - MatlockSouth Derbyshire and South Dales - Ashbourne

For impartial information, advice and guidance on careers and learning visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk/careersservice