Certificate in Historical Fiction Writing (Three-weekend series) with Adrienne Chinn

Ref: SWE37323

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About this course

Please note that the course fee of £1022 (which covers all three units) is payable in advance of study or on booking.

This 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 a 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 in the inspirational environment of West Dean College's Sussex campus. 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.

On successful completion, you will be offered an interview for the MA in Writing and Publishing, should you wish to apply in order to continue your studies and project. The MA is set up to facilitate the production of a completed novel.

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

Unit 1

  • An introduction to historical fiction
  • The rules of historical fiction
  • Historical research
  • Structure: Creating a solid foundation
  • The five key elements of plotting

Pre-course preparation:
Although not required reading, 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

Unit 2

  • Creating memorable characters
  • Understanding and experimenting with point of view
  • Crafting effective dialogue
  • Understanding the environment
  • World-building

Pre-course preparation
Although not required reading, the tutor has suggested a reading list in preparation for Unit 2, as follows:

  • Katherine - Anya Seton
  • Cold Mountain - Charles Fraser
  • I, Claudius - Robert Graves
  • All the Light We Cannot See - Anthony Doerr
  • The English Patient - Michael Ondatjee
  • Homegoing - Yaa Gyasi
  • The Name of the Rose - Umberto Eco

Unit 3

  • Using suspense to create drama
  • Pacing – keeping your reader engaged
  • Scene structure
  • Revising and refining – editing and rewriting

Pre-course preparation
Although not required reading, 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 laptop.

Timetable

Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 7.15pm for registration. Students arriving earlier are welcome to purchase dinner in the College Dining Room from 6pm.
First Teaching session: 7.30pm - 9pm (attendance is essential)

Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am - 5pm
Morning session: 9.15am - 12.45pm including coffee/tea break
Lunch break: 12.45pm - 2pm*
Afternoon session: 2pm - 5pm including coffee/tea break
Teaching finishes: 5pm

Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm
Teaching finishes: 3pm

Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am.
Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required. *Lunch can be purchased on campus, view options.

General Information

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, having written five novels for Harper Collins, including the international bestseller, The English Wife, which reached #2 in Canada and was a USA Today bestseller.

Accommodation

Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.

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