Short Courses - Professional Writing

Creative Writing

COURSE CODE: PW1
DURATION: 6 Saturdays 9.30am to 12 noon

COST: $240 inc GST
LOCATION: ALTONA MEADOWS
COURSE DATES AVAILABLE:

• 11, 18, 25 September, 2, 9, 16 October

Covering a range of introductory writing topics this course gives each student the chance to create and read their own writing in a lively and supportive atmosphere. An ideal way to try creative writing if you’re not sure where to start or further direction for those who want to continue writing but are unsure where to go next through an energetic mixture of writing exercises, readings and discussion.

Find out about:

• Original ideas: finding them
• Fresh words: creating them
• Scenes: the building blocks of story
• Characters: making them real and interesting
• Writing choices: point of view
• Editing your own writing
• What to do next

Write a Novel in a Month

COURSE CODE: PW2
DURATION: 6 Saturday mornings 9.30 - 12 noon

COST: $240 inc GST
LOCATION: Victoria University Library, Werribee Campus
COURSE DATES AVAILABLE:

• 26 June, 3, 10, 17, 23, 30 July

Write a novel in a month is inspired by NaNoWriMo, an international writing competition to write 50,000 words (a novel draft) in a month. Participants with any level of writing experience, including first-time writers, can take part. You will write and finish the first draft of a novel and be offered a way around lack of experience, writer’s block and perfectionism. This short course is for anyone who wants to have a go.

Why do this class? Many things prevent people from writing. Novel in July offers a way around lack of experience, writer’s block and perfectionism. As long as you meet your word count, you can’t fail. Novel in July keeps you writing—not re-drafting, stopping or editing.

Can’t I just take the challenge at home? Yes, you can. But writing with a class greatly improves your chances of meeting the total: Percentage of Novel in a Month class members who reach the 50, 000 word target: 80%!

Write a Short Film Script

COURSE CODE: PW3
DURATION: 6 Saturdays 1pm – 3.30pm

COST: $240/$210 Concession inc GST
LOCATION: Wyndham Cultural Centre, Werribee
COURSE DATES AVAILABLE:

• 7, 14, 21, 28 Aug, 4, 11 Sept.
  

This short course is an introduction to the basics of Screenwriting. Making films is now easier than ever—but shaping a good story is a vital skill. If you’re itching to try to write a film-script but haven’t been sure how to begin, this class will get you on the right track. It will also suit people who have already had some experience, but who would like some guidance on where to go next.

Find out about:

• Understanding mainstream genres: crime, comedy, teen, romance
• Crucial elements: the plot and the premise
• Creating screen characters
• Creating dramatic tension
• Organising your ideas into practical actions to make your film

Writing Stories for Children

COURSE CODE: PW4
DURATION: 6 Saturdays 10am to 12.30pm

COST: $240/$210 Concession inc GST
LOCATION: Wyndham Cultural Centre, Werribee
COURSE DATES AVAILABLE:

• 24, 31 July, 7, 14, 21, 28 August

This introductory course will show you how writing for children is different to writing for adults, and will encourage you to reconnect with what it’s like to be a child. You might like to bring a story idea you already have, or prefer to develop ideas along the way. Suitable for beginners and those already involved with writing fiction.

This course will combine writing exercises and activities with discussions about how to get started, and what to do next! You’ll be able to explore your ideas and imagination, and give shape to them through a series of six sessions that will build your skills and confidence. At the end of the course, you’ll have a draft of a story you can continue to work on.

The course suits writers of all ages and abilities, from beginners to those who have already been involved with writing fiction.

Find out about:

• The child-centred story

• Planning and plotting your story

• Creating characters

• Writing dialogue

• Techniques to keep readers interested