Certificate in Life Writing (Three-weekend series) with Joanna Moorhead

Creative Writing

Ref: SWE37392

Location: West Dean
£1057
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About this course

Please note that the course fee of £1057 (which covers all three units) is payable in advance of study or on booking.

This Certificate in Life Writing course is delivered in three weekend course units spread across the year, self-directed study and a final submission of 5,000 words. It is delivered by experienced educators and authors, Joanna Moorhead, Hannah Vincent and Katy Massey.

The course aims to draw together a clearer understanding of the skills, knowledge and qualities that lend themselves to good life writing and is underpinned by a clear understanding of some of the forms and craft that enable the writer to produce high standard work.

Each weekend unit will be based in the inspirational environment of West Dean College's historic rooms. It 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 life writing over the course of an academic year.

It 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 Joanna Moorhead and will include:
An introduction to Life Writing (history and possibility)
Form, style and voice
Whose life am I writing? Who 'owns' the story? Issues around invading others' lives. Sensitivities and how to deal with them.
Research
Writing exercises

Course Description

Unit 1

  • An introduction to Life Writing (history and possibility)
  • Form, style and voice
  • Whose life am I writing? Who ‘owns’ the story? Issues around invading others’ lives. Sensitivities and how to deal with them
  • Research
  • Writing exercises

Unit 2

  • Working with memory, ideas of ‘truth’ in writing
  • Using writing to ‘find out’ our story: sketching, journaling, morning pages
  • How are we changed by what we write?
  • Exploring what stories we want to tell
  • Writing exercises

Unit 3

  • Where does your project sit in the market? Who is this for, and who is it trying to reach?
  • Shaping your story: the fundamentals of good storytelling
  • How to find an agent and a publisher
  • Editing: how to make your prose sing
  • Writing exercises

Course Materials

Available to buy

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

Terms & Conditions

Tutors

Joanna Moorhead

Joanna Moorhead is an award-winning freelance journalist who writes regularly for The Guardian, The Times, YOU magazine, Good Housekeeping, Easy Living, Mumsnet and BBC websites. She has been part of the BBC news team covering Papal elections and has edited The Guardian's women and health pages.

Accommodation

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

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