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Personal and Creative Writing Courses
Click on the course code to register online.
Short Fiction Workshop
Learn how to write compelling, original short stories. This workshop fosters the development of writing and editing skills through exercises, instruction, in-depth discussion, and constructive class feedback. Topics include plot, structure, character development, dialogue, prose styles, and other fiction fundamentals. There will be an emphasis on the practices of rewriting, editing and remaining motivated. Craft issues will be discussed and short fiction markets explored.
AW555W10A: Wednesdays, Jan 20-Mar 24 (no class Feb 17 or Feb 24), 7-9:30 pm; Rm D322, Buchanan Bldg, UBC. $375. Note: This class is now full.
AW555P10A: Wednesdays, Jun 9-Jul 28, 7-9:30 pm; Rm TBA, UBC. $375.
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Beginning your Novel
Learn to navigate the early stages of writing a novel. Understand the building blocks of story and the function of structure, deepen and develop characters, explore possible themes, and tackle the many technical choices a novelist must make as they begin. Through lectures, exercises, discussions we will explore: character development, beginnings, narrative voice, points-of-view, plots and subplots, working with back-story, research, and how to organize chapters. We will also address issues particular to individual student projects. The course will conclude with a discussion of publishing. Each student will leave with a custom-designed novel writing plan.
AW577W10A: Tuesdays, Jan 19-Mar 23 (no class Feb 16 or Feb 23), 7-9:30 pm; Rm D314, Buchanan Bldg, UBC. $375. Note: This class is now full.
AW577P10A: Tuesdays, Jun 8-Jul 27, 7-9:30 pm; Rm TBA, UBC. $375.
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WRITING YOUR FIRST NOVEL - ONLINE course
You have a great idea for a novel, but don't know
where to start. And you don't have the time to attend
a class on campus or you live out of town. This online
novel writing workshop guides you through the skills
and techniques required to write a novel. Each week
focuses on a specific area of fiction writing: plot,
character, action, dialogue, setting, structure, editing,
and overcoming writer's block. Through in-depth online
instruction, guest interviews, weekly assignments and
a "live" online forum discussion, learn how to write
a novel from home.
AW615W10A: Feb 1-Mar 26. $425. Note: This class is now full.
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Writing historical fiction
Learn how to research and write a historical novel—any novel in which the story is set against the backdrop of historical events, in a time that predates the lifetime of the author. This workshop enables you to develop the necessary skills of writing a historical novel. Study research methods, learn how to infuse fictional characters into true events, write convincing dialogue from a different era, develop non-contemporary characters, and set your story in the past, yet from a modern perspective. Through instruction, in-class exercises, discussion and assignments this course is designed to encourage participants to begin, develop and create the momentum to complete a historical novel.
This course is offered in a one-week format in the summer.
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Children’s Book Workshop
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Cover image courtesy of Tradewind Books
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Designed for writers, illustrators, book designers and anyone else interested in finding out about the world of books for young people, this course examines the process of picture book creation from concept to printed book. Students are encouraged to begin new projects and are also shown how to prepare and submit existing projects and portfolios for publication. Aspiring editors, novelists and non-fiction writers are also welcome. A published writer and an illustrator will visit the class and offer their expertise.
Follow this link to view a detailed sample course outline  (32KB pdf).
Read how this course helped launch the writing careers of former students David Adams and Kari-Lynn Winters.
AW519W10A: Tuesdays, Jan 19-Mar 23 (no class Feb 16 or Feb 23), 6:30-9:30 pm; Rm 208, Scarfe Bldg, UBC. $375. Note: This class is now full.
AW519P10A: Thursdays, May 6-Jun 24 [NEW DATES!], 6:30-9:30 pm; Rm TBA, UBC. $375.
"I have just received my book from Scholastic Education! Your course was fantastic and [I] appreciate your guidance and assistance. I am thrilled to be a published author."
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Book Illustration
This class takes you beyond the impressions of what you think storytelling with pictures should be. Explore various forms of visual expression: drawing, painting, photography, film, computer and electronic arts, and the art of the graphic novel. Discover your creative potential through storytelling with pictures and connect with your intuitive abilities. Complete a project in either book or electronic format, and receive feedback at each stage of developing your picture story. Expect the unexpected!
See Stefan Czernecki's work at stefanczernecki.com.
Note: Please bring a camera to the first class if you can.
AW596P10A: Thursdays, May 6-Jun 24, 7-9:30 pm, Rm TBA, UBC. $375.
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Writing Creative Non-Fiction
From the private to the political, the personal essay is
one of the most rewarding tools for expressing ourselves.
This course explores non-fiction writing from the new
journalism to the contemporary memoir, and helps you
transform the wealth of your experience into publishable
prose. Class time will be split between discussion and
writing exercises, and covers writers such as Bill Bryson,
Joan Didion and Hunter S. Thompson.
AW595W10A: Wednesdays [NEW DAY!], Jan 20-Mar 24 (no class Feb 17 or Feb 24), 7-9:30 pm; Rm 1328, Scarfe Bldg, UBC. $375. Note: This class is now full.
AW595P10A: Tuesdays, May 4-Jun 22, 7-9:30 pm; Rm TBA, UBC. $375.
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The Craft of Creative Writing
“We learn to do something by doing it. There is no other way.” John Holt
This course is for beginning writers who are interested in learning about some of the different genres of creative writing. The course format involves examining the work of emerging and well-known writers combined with in-class writing exercises to inspire you to write autobiography, short fiction, poetry and children’s literature. Come prepared to practise the craft of writing in a supportive atmosphere and to begin to develop a portfolio of your own work.
AW601W10A: Tuesdays, Jan 19-Mar 23 (no class Feb 16 or Feb 23), 2-4:30 pm; Rm 102, Ponderosa Annex C, UBC. $375.
AW601P10A: Tuesdays, May 4-Jun 22, 2-4:30 pm; Rm TBA, UBC, $375.
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The Craft of Creative Writing-Level 2
Workshop your own writing and develop your editing and revising skills. In-class exercises will be followed by a group workshop where you will learn to review others' work in a sensitive and constructive manner and will receive feedback on your own writing. You will have the opportunity to submit at least three writing assignments in different genres. Students should have taken The Craft of Creative Writing or a similar course. This class is limited to 12 students.
AW607W10A: Thursdays, Jan 21-Mar 25 (no class Feb 18 or Feb 25), 2-4:30 pm; [NEW ROOM!] Rm 215, Ponderosa Annex C, UBC. $375.
AW607P10A: Thursdays, May 6-Jun 24, 2-4:30 pm; Rm TBA, UBC. $425.
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Getting Published
Learn how to get published from the editor of Tradewind Books & Granville Island Publishing. David Stephens will help you craft query letters for publishers and agents, prepare a one-page synopsis, create chapter outlines and polish chapter submissions. We’ll also explore self-publishing options, and you’ll gain valuable tools for editing and re-writing. The course will cover all genres (including blogs and memoirs) and will significantly enhance your chance of getting published.
AW602W10A: Tuesdays, Jan 19-Mar 23 (no class Feb 16 or Feb 23), 7-9:30 pm; Rm D218, Buchanan Bldg, UBC. $375.
AW602P10A: Tuesdays, May 4-Jun 22, 7-9:30 pm; Rm 1.750, UBC Robson Square. $375.
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Writing on Motherhood - ONLINE course
Part writing group, part literary salon, this "momoir" course is for mothers interested in learning how to translate their personal experience with motherhood into words. Whether you want to write as a keepsake for yourself or your children, or for publication in a newspaper, magazine or book, this course will help guide you into crafting a memorable piece of work, from short stories to personal essays to books. For mothers who don't have time to attend a class on
campus or live farther away, Writing on Motherhood is
available as an online writing course in the winter term.
AW613W10A: Feb 1-Mar 26. $425. Note: This class is now full.
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More Personal and Creative Writing Courses ...
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