Creative Writing for Media is a short course designed to enable participants to practice creative writing skills and apply these to a range of media.

Course Description

By the end of the course, students will have developed a main character, central theme, and the beginning of a narrative, as well as core story concept. You will be equipped with the tools to pursue their ambitions further and understand the differences and similarities in how narrative works in multiple media formats.  

 

Course structure – each day will feature a combination of teaching and practical exercises.

 

Day 1: Intro and character

 

• Introduce tutor
• Set expectations for the course
• Think about memorable characters
• Inspiration session
• Character as the seed of the story
• Defining a main character
• Getting to know your characters 
• Ticks, mannerisms, traits, flaws, ideals
• Identifying dramatic need

 

Day 2: Structure and dialogue

 

• Classic 3-part structure
• Story arc and beats
• Plot points and devices
• Obstacles
• Themes as pivots and anchors
• Creating a logline and synopsis
• Show don’t tell
• Subtext
• Dialogue and movement
• Expository dialogue vs action dialogue

 

Day 3: Writing technique and script formats

• Transitions, Reveals, Pacing
• Controlling the audience’s eye
• Writing a script
• Looking at different script-based media examples

 

Day 4: Self editing and next steps

 

• Refining the opening chapter and synopsis
• Editing prose
• Creating a proposal pack
• Writer support networks