We will do practical creative exercises and develop the techniques used in the personal essay, the autofiction novel, the review, and other more experimental hybrid forms. As a supportive group, we will push one another to be braver, more self-reflective, and more deeply engaged in our writing practice.

Who is this course for?

This course is for anyone who is curious about language and ideas. It is for anyone who wants to develop their creative writing skills, take risks, and engage in discussions about what it might mean to write the "truth". It is a course for anyone interested in exploring how different narrative forms offer us new ways to understand and write the reality around us.

Will I need any equipment or materials?

This course will be held via Zoom. You need a computer/laptop or mobile phone to access the Zoom website, and a reliable internet connection. For further information on how to join a Zoom meeting, you can watch the joining video here.

How will the course be taught?

Each week we will look at and discuss extracts from contemporary writers working in different creative non-fiction forms. We will explore the possibilities of each form and undertake practical and experimental exercises to better understand the techniques being used. We will also discuss ideas around "truth", "reality", and narrative, exploring how the political, the personal, and the imaginative intersect to create powerful and original writing.

Are there any follow-on courses I can take?

Bishopsgate Institute runs a range of creative writing classes, including classes in playwriting, life writing and short story writing.

Will I be assessed?

There is no formal assessment for courses at Bishopsgate Institute. However, to monitor your learning and progress, tutors will assess your participation in classroom activities.