Beat the blank page: Boost your creativity and confidence in writing

Where do great ideas come from? Beat artistic burnout, give your imagination the ultimate workout and learn to see new potential in your writing - and creative powers - in this practical, empowering masterclass with Professor Jason Whittaker.

If you’re feeling stunted or you just don’t know where to start, you’re not alone. Writers the world over have often struggled to force their imaginations into gear; the phrase “pulling blood from a stone” is true in more ways than one - and this applies to novel writers as much as journalists, biographers and poets.

In this practical masterclass with Professor Jason Whittaker, head of the School of English and Journalism at the University of Lincoln, you’ll learn creative writing techniques that will inspire your passion and boost your confidence - long after you finish the course.

In a supportive environment and through practical exercises, you will generate new ideas for building irresistible characters, engrossing plots and believable worlds. You’ll be encouraged to take a fresh look at your practice, restore your playfulness and curiosity, and cultivate a more mindful approach to creativity. Ultimately, you will come away with tips and tricks that you can put to good use as soon as you get home, no matter how far along in your writing you are.

You will be sent a link to the webinar 1hr before the start time of 6.30pm (BST).

Course content

• Confidence is key: trust that you can and will

• Practical writing tips you can takeaway

• Finding motivation when you really don’t want to

• Reconnecting with why you write and who you write for

You will be sent a link to the webinar 1hr before the start time of 6.30pm (BST).

Tutor profile

Jason Whittaker is the head of the School of English and Journalism at the University of Lincoln. Previously he was the interim director of the School of Writing and Journalism at Falmouth University and professor of Blake Studies.

All Guardian Masterclasses are fully accessible but please contact us at masterclasses@theguardian.com if you have any queries or concerns.

Full course and returns information on the Masterclasses website