Monday 26 July
Motivation/structure/planning & plotting
Morning: In the morning we’ll discuss what each writer wants to achieve in this week; and with feedback each writer will begin to sketch out a plan for their work. We’ll discuss what’s brought you here, and what is at the heart of the story you want to tell, as well as discussing the methods by which you can tell that story. How much do you want to plan your plot? How much freedom do you want to allow yourself? We’ll be doing exercises to get you writing, we’ll be “reporting back” – as we will of course throughout our time together — on those exercises. We’ll be working in pairs/small groups online, so you’ll get to know your fellow students.
Afternoon: writing time.
Tuesday 27 July
Finding the texture of a world
Morning: We’ll start to consider how we experience the world, and how we build a world. We’ll do exercises based on this, looking closely at our surroundings and bringing them to life. We’ll be thinking about the five senses, how we use and experience our bodies, how we interact with each other in the world, and how this affects our writing.
Afternoon: writing time.
Wednesday 28 July
Guest Tutor TBC: will focus on plot and structure
Afternoon: writing time
Thursday 29 July
Character, Dialogue and Conflict
Morning: The Catcher in the Rye has Holden Caulfield. Wolf Hall has Thomas Cromwell. Eat, Pray, Love is one woman’s story told in a distinctive voice. Your characters will make your story: but how do you find out who they truly are? How does the way they speak help move the story forward? Characters’ voices and thoughts can be used to move a story forward; conflict is what drives change in a story. We’ll look at ways to exploit conflict to propel your work, and how your characters can best express that conflict.
Afternoon: writing time.
Friday 30 July
Keeping going, editing and recap
Morning: Congratulations: you’ve got quite a bit of work down on the page! But what happens now? We’ll discuss the process of revision and do exercises to help with the process. We’ll discuss the challenges of the course, the changes you’ve experienced, and what you are looking forward to as you progress with your writing. At the end of the course, you'll be invited to send Erica up to 2,000 words of your own writing for her to look at and comment on.
Afternoon: writing time.