Novella writing: a fortnightly course

City Lit

Course

In London

£ 179 VAT inc.

The best Literature courses

See all

See all

Description

  • Type

    Course

  • Location

    London

  • Start date

    Different dates available

Novellas have sometimes been dismissed as a mere compromise between the short story and the novel, but what beyond that defines them, and why have some of the most accomplished writers throughout history chosen to engage with the form? This course will examine the novella using two exemplars of the form through analysis and exercises, and will encourage you to complete a draft of your own, which you will be encouraged to share with your peers for feedback. The novella is like a recipe in which all the quantities must be precise for success; this course will show you what craft ingredients you need, and more importantly how much of each will make your story stand out.

Facilities

Location

Start date

London
See map
Keeley Street, Covent Garden, WC2B 4BA

Start date

Different dates availableEnrolment now open

About this course

- understand some of the characteristics of the novella form
- understand some of the history of the novella form
- produce a first draft of novella length
- analyse exemplars of the novella form with confidence
- give and receive constructive feedback with confidence.

In order to participate fully in sessions you will need to purchase and read two set texts prior to the start of the course. Details of the set texts will be confirmed shortly.

You will also need to bring writing materials - a pen and notepad, and a laptop if you need one.

Questions & Answers

Add your question

Our advisors and other users will be able to reply to you

Who would you like to address this question to?

Fill in your details to get a reply

We will only publish your name and question

Reviews

Subjects

  • Writing

Course programme

- defining the novella form: history, context and craft
- how to make a complex narrative structure compact
- how to deepen and complicate character in an economical yet powerful way
- how to give and receive constructive feedback
- understanding the balance of major craft elements within the constraints of the novella form.

- tutor-led presentations and class discussion - group and paired exercises - workshop (where written work is shared and discussed) You will be expected to purchase and read two set texts prior to the beginning of class (details will be provided by the tutor). Participation in this course also depends upon meeting writing targets as homework set by the tutor, and you will be expected to share your written work.

Additional information

Subject to demand, City Lit may choose to run a Novella Writing Workshop that will enable you to receive feedback on complete novella drafts. Your tutor will discuss this with you in class. Alternatively, you may consider one of our short story or novel writing courses, or if you are ready for the challenge, on of our Advanced critical workshops that focuses on fiction, or multigenre. We also encourage you to consider our Craft focus courses, which enable you to hone a specific area of craft in your work. Check out our prospectus for current offerings. All students are invited to join us at Late Lines, our regular performance night for City Lit writers. Students are also encouraged to submit their work to Between the Lines, our annual anthology of creative writing. For the latest news, courses and events, stay in touch with the Department on Facebook and Twitter. General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Student Centre and Library on Monday to Friday from 12:00 – 19:00. See the course guide for term dates and further details

See related categories

Novella writing: a fortnightly course

£ 179 VAT inc.

The best Literature courses

See all

See all