We shall begin from the familiar premise, ‘writing what we know’, exploring this approach from various angles, before looking at ways to expand our range of subject matter, sometimes in experimental and surprising ways. We will also work consistently on honing technique across genres, as we explore issues such as characterisation, dialogue, image and style. We will increasingly appreciate the mutual dependence and essentially connected nature of these aspects as our writing matures. Attention will be paid to sharpening our writing skills in the name of economy, efficiency and effectiveness.
We will also pay attention to how we can best manage our writing time in a focused way, how to carry out research and how to wear that research lightly in our writing. Through discussion, close analysis of examples, and in-class practical exercises, we will thus build from the ground up a repertoire of skills that each writer can harness in the exploration and development of his or her own voice. Students will be encouraged to pursue independent reading in the University Library throughout the week, to practice ‘reading as writers’, and to bring these discoveries into daily discussion of their own and each other’s work.
Finally we will consider how we might approach the literary marketplace, paying attention to the roles of agent, editor and publisher and debating the usefulness of competitions and awards.
