Certificate in Writing Historical Fiction (unit 1) with Adrienne Chinn

Ref: D2D33813

Location: London
£800
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About this course

Please note that the course fee of £800 (which covers all three units) is payable in advance of study.

This West Dean College Certificate in Historical Fiction Writing is awarded in recognition of the successful completion of all three weekend course units spread across each academic term, self-directed study and the completion of the first 5,000 words of an historical fiction novel.

The course seeks to bring together all the key components of good historical fiction writing into one continuing programme and to offer an insight into the writer's toolkit necessary for developing skills and building your confidence.

Each weekend unit will be based at West Dean College's London campus, located in the heart of literary Bloomsbury. The course is aimed at writers who wish to commit to an extended programme of study without having to make a significant time commitment, and who will benefit from a cohesive course that offers focus on the key elements of successful historical fiction writing over the course of an academic year.

This first unit will include:
- An introduction to historical fiction
- The rules of historical fiction
- Historical research
- Structure: Creating a solid foundation
- The five key elements of plotting

Course Description

The tutor has suggested a reading list in preparation for Unit 1, as follows:

  • The Three Musketeers - Alexandre Dumas
  • Clytemnestra - Costanza Casati
  • A Gentleman in Moscow - Amor Towles
  • Birdsong - Sebastian Faulks
  • Pachinko - Min Jin Lee
  • Beloved - Toni Morrison
  • Ivanhoe - Sir Walter Scott

Course Materials

What students need to bring

Your usual writing equipment, notebook and pen, and laptop.

Timetable

SATURDAY 22 FEBRUARY 2025

11.00 am Morning teaching session starts
1.00 pm Lunch break
2.00pm Afternoon teaching session starts
3.45-4pm Tea break (optional)
5.15pm Classes finish

SUNDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2025

11.00 am Morning teaching session starts
1.00 pm Lunch break
2.00pm Afternoon teaching session starts
3.45-4pm Tea break (optional)
5.15pm Classes finish

General Information

Access

If you have any specific access needs, we will need to know about your access requirements in advance. Please tell us about your needs in confidence by emailing: [email protected] This venue has steps to the front reception, with limited access via a side gate to the ground floor. There is a small lift to higher floors or stairs.

Terms & Conditions

Tutors

Adrienne Chinn - tutor at West Dean College

Adrienne Chinn

Adrienne is a tutor at West Dean, London and Sussex campuses. She has taught interior design courses at West Dean for many years and is also a published author of historical fiction.

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