ONLINE 5-Week Short Course: Writing Historical Fiction (April 2024)

Introducing Writing Historical Fiction – a 5 week online course with Caroline Lea. This course will run between 7-9pm (19:00 – 21:00 BST) on Thursdays from 11th April – 9th May 2024.

Course Overview:

Across 5 interactive Zoom sessions, established historical fiction writer Caroline Lea will teach you the skills required to research, structure and develop a novel in the genre.

You will learn how to conjure compelling historical characters and create vivid fictional worlds, inspired by the past.

The sessions will be filled with practical exercises and activities to help you to begin crafting a historical novel, or to refine an existing idea.

This course will focus on:

• Generating Exciting Ideas: learn how to delve through past artefacts, archives and existing narratives to discover untold stories. Navigate historical information effectively by developing practical research skills to add depth and credibility to your fiction.

• Crafting Authentic Narratives: delve into the nuances of historical storytelling. Learn how to plot and structure a rich, authentic narratives that will keep your reader hooked.

• Developing Fascinating Characters: explore techniques to develop compelling historical characters, blending fact and fiction and capturing your character’s unique voice and perspective.

• Building an Alluring World: immerse your readers in vivid historical landscapes and enthralling fictional worlds. Discover techniques for effective world-building, capturing the essence of different time periods.

• Editing and Presenting your Writing: learn how to refine your draft and hone your prose. Receive practical advice on next steps – from how to submit your work to agents, to writing competitions and other courses to polish your work.

You will benefit from:

• Live Zoom Sessions: Enjoy five interactive live Zoom sessions where you’ll receive expert guidance from an established and successful Historical Fiction writer. Engage in real-time discussions, Q&A sessions, workshop exercises and personalised feedback to enhance your writing skills.

• Expert Feedback: Benefit from personalised feedback and guidance from an accomplished Historical Fiction author.

• Writing Community: Connect with a community of like-minded writers during each live session. Share your progress, exchange ideas, and receive constructive feedback in a supportive online environment

Tutor bio:

Caroline Lea grew up in Jersey and gained a First in English Literature and Creative Writing from the University of Warwick, where she has also taught on the Creative Writing degree. Her fiction and poetry have been longlisted for the BBC Short Story Prize and Sunday Times Short Story Award, and shortlisted for the Bridport Prize, the Fish Short Story Competition and various flash fiction prizes.

Her novel, THE GLASS WOMAN, was published to critical acclaim and shortlisted for the HWA Debut Crown. Her next novel, THE METAL HEART, was Scottish Waterstones Book of the Month. Her most recent novel, PRIZE WOMEN was featured and acclaimed on BBC Women’s Hour.

Caroline is passionate about helping other writers to grow and succeed: she teaches creative writing both privately and, currently, for Writing West Midlands and is often recruited to give talks at literary festivals and events. She currently lives in Warwick with her partner and children and is working on her next novel about Mary Shelley writing Frankenstein. Her books often feature ordinary women in extraordinary circumstances.

Who is this course suitable for?

This course is suitable for all abilities. Whether you’ve never written before, or whether you’re a keen or established writer, looking for a fresh approach and new ideas, this course will give you the ideas and skills to begin building a new and exciting work of historical fiction.

Details:

Format: 5 Live teaching sessions via Zoom Online Meeting  – Zoom link in ticket confirmation

Dates/Time: Thursdays 7-9pm on this dates: 11th April, 18th April, 25th April, 2nd May, 9th May 2024

Zoom: The sessions will take place online via Zoom Online Meeting software. It is free to download and you will only need the free version to attend. Please download it and check it is working before the day of the workshop.

Please try and be somewhere you can concentrate and won’t be interrupted. Headphones can be useful if you have some, to cut out other noise.

Bursary Scheme 2024:

We understand that not all writers are able to pay for their writing courses to further their career, and we run a Bursary Scheme as a consequence. If you feel you need a bursary, please contact us: info@writingwestmidlands.org

Please note: you must sign up for the full course even if you cannot attend all dates. No partial course ticket is available.

Short Courses are for over 18s. If you are a young writer, you can sign up for our Spark Young Writers Programme.

All Writing West Midlands short courses are collaborative, and you will learn as much from your fellow course attendees as from the tutor. You will be expected to play an active role in group tasks, and you will also have time to reflect on your own writing during sessions.

Course handouts are sometimes (but not always) available, and notes may be available in advance upon request. If you have any additional needs, please contact Writing West Midlands in advance of the course starting and we will try to assist you.