Converge
Creative writing courses
Discover the creative writing courses we offer.
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All our courses may be subject to change. You will be notified of these changes if necessary.
On our creative writing courses you can develop new skills and explore different writing techniques.
At the centre of Converge creative writing is our 'Creative Writing: Inspirations' course. This is the foundation for all the other writing courses we offer, so we ask that everyone starts here, whatever their previous experience.
All Converge creative writers are welcome to submit a piece for our annual publication, Creative Writing Heals.
Creative Writing: Inspirations
Course length: 10 weeks
Learning type: On campus learning, online and by post through Converge Connected
Creative Writing: Inspirations is an introductory course for new writers, and also a course for those who may have written before but would like a refresher. We recommend all students new to Creative Writing at Converge take Inspirations before they take other Creative Writing courses with us.
In 'Inspirations' you will learn how to establish a productive writing practice. We explore the importance of the different senses for writing and techniques like free writing and observational writing to help us hone our skills. Our classes are friendly and nobody is forced to share their writing if they prefer not to.
In the final module of the course you have the opportunity to work with support from a mentor to develop a piece for publication in our annual anthology, Creative Writing Heals.
Creative Writing: The Craft of Writing
Course length: 10 weeks
Course location: On campus learning
This course builds on what you have learned in Inspirations or Life Writing and takes your skills to the next level. We cover key writing techniques for short fiction, novel writing, creative non-fiction (including blogging and life writing) script and poetry, such as description, character, plot and structure. We will explore each topic in class with plenty of opportunity for practice.
In the final module you will get the chance to work with a mentor to produce a piece for our annual anthology, Creative Writing Heals.
Craft of Writing is open to any Converge student who has previously taken Inspirations or Life Writing.
Creative Writing: Read Like a Writer
Course length: 10 weeks
Learning type: Online through Converge Connected
Read Like a Writer is another opportunity to develop your writing skills after taking Inspirations or Life Writing with Converge.
In this course we examine other writers' work, using techniques of close reading, critical analysis and discussion to uncover their methods and ideas. Writing exercises then help us to try out these techniques in our own work.
In the final module you will get the chance to work with a mentor to produce a piece for our annual anthology, Creative Writing Heals.
Read Like a Writer is open to any Converge student who has previously taken Inspirations or Life Writing.
Life Writing
Course length: 8 weeks
Course location: Online through Converge Connected
Everybody has a story to tell. This 8 week course is suitable for anyone who has an interest in, or has experience of, creative writing and for anyone who has taken, or is taking, the Converge Inspirations course.
Students will be introduced to the many forms that Life Writing takes from the personal to the published. We will consider what constitutes life writing, how it has evolved and how the art of storytelling can enhance the life story. Each class is aimed at developing writing skills, whether this is for personal pleasure or for others to read. Practical tasks will provide an opportunity to experiment with style and form. We will explore published works, including diaries, the personal essay, autobiography and memoir to gain a greater understanding of this genre and perhaps influence students’ approach to their own writing.
The courses are interesting. I have become a better person and something of a poet!
— Converge student
