Fiction in Progress

Pre-requisites for enrolment

Some previous writing is required i.e. three draft short stories, novel or novella (about 10,000 to 15,000 words in total).

Content of Course

This course will look at advanced topics including:

1. Revising your manuscript.

2. Structuring novels and short stories.

3. Maintaining dramatic tension.

4. Sharpening focus and character motivation.

5. Strengthening voice.

6. Advice on approaching agents / publishers.

Teaching method(s)

Combination of tutor led discussion, reading of work, and peer critique.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

• Revise and develop their initial drafts;

• Critically analyse the structure of a novel in the genre they wish to write in;

• Give and receive constructive feedback;

• Prepare a manuscript for publication;

• Draft a query letter and synopsis for a literary agent.

Sources

Core Readings

Essential:

• Prose, F., 2006. Reading Like a Writer. UK: Harper Perennial.

• Stein, S., 2000. Solutions for Novelists, Secrets of a Master Editor. UK: Souvenir Press.

Recommended:

• Forster, E M., 1927. Aspects of the Novel. UK: Penguin Classics.

• Blake, C., 1999. From Pitch to Publication. UK: Macmillan.

• Gardner, J., 1979. The Art of Fiction: Notes on Craft for Young Writers. UK: Vintage Books.

• Lodge, D., 1992. The Art of Fiction. UK: Penguin Books.

Class Handouts

Handouts will be provided.

Queries

If you have questions regarding the course or enrolment, please contact COL Reception at Paterson's Land by email COL@ed.ac.uk or by phone 0131 650 4400.

Student support

If you have a disability, learning difficulty or health condition which may affect your studies, please let us know by ticking the 'specific support needs' box on your course application form. This will allow us to make appropriate adjustments in advance and in accordance with your rights under the Equality Act 2010. For more information please visit the Student Support section of our website.