Writing Courses: Guidance through the world of writing
Once upon a time, I was writing my first novel which I started writing in my late teenage years. The idea popped into my mind on the way home on the bus after college: a science fiction novel which was part of a trilogy which I planned out for seven years before I started to actually write. Before I even got to this triumphant stage, my writing process was guided by the bible of research I created filled with plot points and extracts I had written over this seven-year period. I finally finished my novel around October 2018.
Long before completing the book, I passed the first few chapters of the story onto someone close to me who knew what good storytelling should look like. They told me my writing for all purposes was not good. This hurt, the pain was searing, my writing soul crushed into pieces.
I demanded further clarity to understand fully what the problem was, and I got the response that I not only wanted but needed to hear. They explained in extensive detail what they meant, dissecting in full the problems and issues creeping through in my writing. In their opinion, the premise and storyline was strong, but the execution was lacking, and it was filtering out in the worst possible way onto the page. To put it bluntly, the actual writing was not good enough.
I trust this person with my life, not only my writing, so hearing it from them sunk deep into the crevices of everything I hold on to as a writer. In all honestly at this point in the writing game, my writing was not what it is today, but to me back then it felt I was being told my baby was ugly and that they would never amount to anything in life. However, it was the first time I took a deep look at my writing and I realised I needed additional guidance. I knew I could find this on a writing course.
Luckily, I found the right one, and the experience turned into my first writing salvation in the form of Rewrite, an organisation which provides creative writing courses to Black women and women of colour. Here is where I learnt so much about my writing and what I want to achieve with my work. During the course, we explored texts and studied writing techniques such as characterisation, dialogue and editing. Rewrite provided a safe space for me to explore my creativity, improve my writing skills and start building my writing community. The key thing I gained which I realised I sort of lacked before was confidence—this experience made me re-valuate my work in a way I didn’t think I could and it gave me fantastic momentum moving forward.
Writing courses come in different shapes and sizes, from the full-on creative writing MA available at universities across the country to shorter courses ranging from several months to a couple weeks to a few days to a few hours. Courses are usually hosted by writing organisations, universities, festivals and authors themselves. All give value to the writer. While many focus on craft, some offer insight into the world of publishing, which is invaluable.
Prices vary and so can quality. I honestly can’t say I have been to a course where I didn’t learn something good. The most expensive course I have ever paid for was around £125, and it was worth this price. I will go into some of the writing courses I have attended over the last couple of years:
Spread the word
Another organisation which has been so fundamental in strengthening my growth as a writer. I was part of the London Writers Award cohort for 2019, where I worked on my middle grade fantasy project. The Award is a writing course for unpublished writers of under-represented groups such as writers of colour and LGBTQ+.
The scheme lasts nine months and focuses strongly on writing development, which is facilitated by the critical feedback groups which meet regularly. This helped to improve my work and with my critical feedback group and wider cohort, we formed a strong writing community. One of the programme’s fundamental goals is to support writers in developing their writing careers, focusing on both the craftsmanship which goes into writing and giving insights into the world of publishing. This is done through masterclasses given by published authors and publishing professionals like editors and agents.
Other elements of the program include 1-2-1 sessions with both publishing professionals and members of the Spread the Word team, where I would get feedback on my work and talk about my personal journey through publishing.
Each part of the country from the South West to the Midlands have their own writing development agency, I would highly recommend initiating yourself and getting involved in their events and courses.
Spread the Word (London)
Literature Works (South West)
New Writing South (South East)
New Writing North (North of England)
Writing East Midlands (East Midlands)
Writing West Midlands (West Midlands)
Reedsy Web Courses
Reedsy is a marketplace where writers can connect with talented freelance editors, designers and publicists. They offer a variety of tools such as web courses on a variety of topics including writing for children, how to market books, the editing and revision process and how traditional and self-publishing works. These courses are free, last for ten days, and are delivered via email directly into your inbox. They also do Reedsy live webinars on similar topics which they launch on their YouTube channel. I’ve also attended some of these webinars, joining other aspirational authors from the around the world.
Guardian Masterclasses
Guardian Masterclasses are a series of programmes which cover a range of topics from business, photography, journalism and creative writing. The creative writing courses allow participants to gain skills in a variety of topics relating to publishing and writing. Guardian Masterclasses can vary in terms of length, some last a single afternoon or day, and some can go on for several weeks. These masterclasses focus on providing expertise and skills for participants imparted by award-winning experts and industry-leading professionals. Over the last few years, I have attended several of these which include:
Pitching to publishers
Looking for literary agents
Writing children’s books
Writing for women
Writing screenplays
At these masterclasses, I gained further knowledge on the industry I want to enter. I also found the courses sharpened my skills for writing for specific demographics and helped to support my ongoing projects.
Creative Writing Masters
A quick note on Creative Masters MA, this likely deserves its own post but I haven’t done a creative writing masters and you do not need one to become an author. I have talked to people who have completed one, and they have spoken positively about the experience. A creative writing masters can give a writer structure and direction, help them focus on their writing, help with personal development, their craft and their writing goals. It can also expose you to publishing professionals and you usually have to write a novel or a substantial part of a novel during the course. For those considering, do your research, speak to people who completed the course you would like to do and weigh everything out before embarking on this commitment because writing in any shape or form is a commitment.
Other organisations which offer courses:
Amy Sparkles (Kid Lit courses)
In conclusion, writing courses are aimed at anyone and everyone who wants to refine their writing skills and push forward their writing ambitions. When looking for a suitable writing course, speak to people, investigate your options in full and find the best match. Not everything will be right, but they will likely be something which is perfect for you. One of the most powerful takeaways for me from writing courses has been the forming of my writing community. A community is formed on these courses, whether it is an MA or a shorter course, you will find and make allies and friends you can turn to in the world of writing. The writing community can be extremely nurturing, supportive and encouraging. Ultimately, writing courses can provide inspiration for writers in any stage of their writing journey.
Originally Published on Writersphere (July 16th 2020)