Creative writing - The basics of character and plot (session 3) (09P15CL/23)


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Sancton Village Hall
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Course details

Applicable fees
Total £11.25
Tuition Fees£11.25
Concessions are available for this course

If you’d like to get started with creative writing but are not quite sure where to begin, then this series of six individual sessions will give you the chance to get started with the basics and to be inspired to put pen to paper. The sessions will focus on the very first steps you need to take to gather your ideas, plan your writing and to begin developing your characters, so you’ll have everything you need to get started, whether you’ve got short stories in mind or would like to work on a longer piece of writing, such as a novel or a memoir.

As you progress through the sessions, you’ll be encouraged to start looking for inspiration from all around you and will learn how to create characters that will draw your readers in, whether they are the hero or the villain of your story. Once you’ve got an idea of who and what you’d like to write about, you’ll learn ways to plan out your work, explore how to use different points of view and learn how to make sure your writing style matches the audience you have in mind. When you’ve produced a range of creative writing samples, your tutor will show you how to edit and improve your writing to make sure that you are producing your very best work.

What will I learn?

In this session you will learn about plot structures, looking at how to plan the traditional beginning, middle and end of your writing. You’ll also explore other kinds of plot structure and experiment with using a structure that works for you.

You’ll have the opportunity to share your work with the group and to receive constructive criticism to help you to recognise your strengths and ways you could improve your writing.

What is it like to learn with East Riding Adult Learning and Employability?

At East Riding Adult Learning and Employability we pride ourselves on the support we give to our learners, from the very first time you contact us, to the day you achieve your goals.

If you choose to join this course you will be supported by our dedicated staff, learn in a small friendly and welcoming group, have the opportunity to take part in activities to practise your skills, be encouraged to continue to practise when you are away from the classroom and receive lots of encouragement to help you build both your skills and your confidence.

As well as working in groups, you will benefit from regular time working with your tutor, discussing your progress and planning your next steps. They will also tell you about all of the other great opportunities that you have access to including help with developing your skills, joining one of our creative skills classes or sessions to improve your health, wellbeing, confidence or resilience. If you are looking for work or aiming for a change of role, then your tutor will also make you aware of the employability programmes we have available to support you in achieving your employment goals.

Our team will be there to support you at every step of your journey and we always welcome your feedback to help us ensure that you feel safe, happy, supported and welcome.

What do I need to join the course?

You may have previously attended one or more sessions of the Creative writing: the basics of character and plot course, but this is not essential. You don’t need any experience of creative writing at all, just an interest in the subject and the willingness to get involved and to have a go at putting pen to paper.

What do I need to provide for the first session?

We recommend that you bring a notebook and a pen. if you’ve attended the previous session of Creative writing: the basics of character and plot, then you might like to bring your work along from that session too.

What could I do next?

There are so many things you can learn with East Riding of Yorkshire Adult Learning and Employability, however you choose to learn with us, whether you’re attending classes in our Adult Learning Centres, logging on virtually or joining us out in your community! Your tutor will support you in deciding your next move, whether this is progression to the next creative writing session or expanding your horizons even further by signing up to one of our poetry courses.

If you’d like to improve your English skills outside of creative writing, you might like to look at our Functional Skills English course offer or make an appointment to speak to an advisor to find out more about our courses.

Alternatively, you might choose to learn a completely different skill, such as knitting or crochet, join one of our employability programmes, take part in some family learning, practice mindfulness, learn about mental health or improve your maths or digital skills.

Whatever you choose, you can be confident that our teams will be there to support you every step of the way.

Can we help you to learn?

You can find more information on the Financial help and additional support page or you can contact us to talk about this and any other support we can provide.

Venue Details

Sancton Village Hall
Low Street, Sancton, York
YO43 4QY