This subject combines practical writing exercises, workshopping, and the reading and discussion of a range of examples and critical material relating to the process of writing. Craft skills are developed with attention being paid to imagery, voice, characterisation, elements of narrative, dramatic and lyric form. A variety of genres are explored, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry and performance forms. As its main objective, the subject provides students with both a workshop environment for producing new creative work as well as a space for criticism and reflection on the writing process. The aim of the course is to provide a number of foundational techniques and ideas in developing skills as creative and professional writers. The subject also situates students' writing within the context of a practical and critical engagement with a variety of genres and styles in contemporary and modern literature. Students are asked to read extensively in the class reader, to comment on some of that reading, to read widely in their own time and, where they are specified, to read and comment on their tutorial's specially designated books.
Autumn semester, City campus
Students completing this subject as an 8cp elective enrol in 50242 Writing: Style and Structure.