Please note that the course fee of £1102 (which covers all three units) is payable in advance of study or on booking.

The Certificate in Fiction Writing course is delivered in three weekend course units spread across the year, self-directed study and a final submission of 5,000 words of fiction.

This course seeks to bring together the key elements of writing fiction into one continuing programme and to support the development of skills in characterisation, voice, plot and structure, and points of craft.

Each weekend unit will be based in the inspirational environment of West Dean College's historic rooms. Each morning will be devoted to informal lectures, group discussions of key texts and themes, and writing exercises. In the afternoons, you will have time to work on your own writing, as well as the opportunity to take up an individual tutorial. Writers can submit 500 words in advance, for feedback during the tutorial. The course is aimed at writers who wish to commit to an extended programme of study without having to make a significant time commitment.

The course also offers a potential pathway to those interested in applying for the College's Higher Education programmes in Writing and Publishing.

This first unit is taught by Laura Wilkinson and will include:
Ideas generation , testing ideas and thinking like a writer (Friday evening)
Building character
Point of view