Entry requirementsThe course aims to explore the genre of personally-based non-fiction; support students in drafting and editing self-generated texts; develop discrimination in form and technique; encourage wide reading in personally-based non-fiction.
Course descriptionIf you have a story to tell – it might be an adventure, a journey, an autobiography, a triumph or a defeat – but are aware that even non-fiction needs excellent writing skills, then this is the course for you. You will increase your awareness of the formal conventions of first person non-fiction and develop critical models which will help you assess your own and others’ writing. You will create, develop, edit and finish a small body of work. You will also boost your skills in researching, drafting and editing, in presenting your work and in responding to constructive criticism. We recommend taking Writing 1: Starting to Write before embarking on this course, but direct entry is possible for more experienced writers.
- A short history of creative non-fiction
- The reinvention of the self
- The Romantic vision
- Ethics and courage
- Self-censoring
- Self-publishing
- Legal and emotional issues
- Deepening your research.
Postal tuition
You are allocated a tutor and receive their details in your course pack. You work from the course materials and send regular assignments to your tutor. These are returned to you with comment and advice. The course fee includes tutor feedback on your set assignments, but you can purchase feedback and comment on additional pieces of work if you wish