Certificate in Writing Historical Fiction (unit 3) with Adrienne Chinn

Ref: D2D33815

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.

This third and final unit will include:
- Using suspense to create drama
- Pacing – keeping your reader engaged
- Scene structure
- Revising and refining – editing and rewriting

Course Description

The details here are for unit two of our Certificate in Writing Historical Fiction course. For details on all units, please visit the course page.

The tutor has suggested a reading list in preparation for Unit 3, as follows:

  • The Scarlet Letter - Nathaniel Hawthorne
  • The Blind Assassin - Margaret Atwood
  • Perfume: The Story of a Murderer - Patrick Suskind
  • Washington Black - Esi Edugyan
  • Fingersmith - Sarah Waters
  • The Pillars of the Earth - Ken Follett
  • The Poisonwood Bible - Barbara Kingsolver
  • The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock - Imogen Hermes Gowar

Course Materials

What students need to bring

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

Timetable

SATURDAY 6 SEPTEMBER 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 7 SEPTEMBER 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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