Overview

Creative Writing: The Novel will guide you through the ways and means of writing a full-length novel. You will be taught methods of composition and creation of novels, including practical and analytical consideration of novelistic structure, viewpoint, voice and role-play, and developing style and tone. The course includes, with reference to the practical application of these elements, consideration of the variety of forms relevant to the contemporary novel, comparing and contrasting novels, present and past, with other forms of creative writing. It will also cover synopsis and query writing, the publishing tree, and writers and rejections.

The study of fiction-writing at Level 2 provides a valuable opportunity for independent exploration and innovation. While you may choose to work in a particular fictional genre, you will be encouraged to extend its boundaries by challenging market-led stereotypes. At all times you will be encouraged to produce work of high literary and imaginative quality, enhanced by a professional standard of presentation.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -Typically, work graded D- to D+ (or 40 to 49) will show many of the following qualities:Limited engagement with ideas. Link between themes and form not always clear. Limited sense of formal conventions. Inconsistent with regard to linguistic technicalities. Limited awareness of redrafting and editing process. Work in need of some revision

-good -Typically, work graded B- to B+ (or 60 to 69) will show many of the following qualities:Demonstration of a degree of vitality and originality. Very good understanding of generic conventions; sound use of structures and forms. Resourceful use of language. Sound understanding of the creative process and thoughtful control of decisions made in writing. Very good work, which at times comes close to publishable standard.

-excellent -Typically, work graded A- to A** (or 70 to 100) will show many of the following qualities:Excellent levels of originality, vision and depth; striking and thorough engagement with ideas. Excellent understanding and control of form. Impressive linguistic control and/or innovation. Sophisticated understanding of the creative process and assured control of decisions made in writing. Dynamic work approaching publishable standard.

-another level-Typically, work graded C- to C+ (or 50 to 59) will show many of the following qualities:Some attempt at serious exploration of ideas. Some link between themes and form. Good attempt to engage with form, but this may not be entirely sustained. Use of language technically proficient, but not always focused. Some awareness of the creative process and of decisions made in writing. Good work, but its strengths need to be more fully sustained to reach publishable standard.

Learning Outcomes

• An awareness of the importance of revision and editing in bringing your work to a near-professional standard.

• Knowledge of a broad range of imaginative literature.

• Knowledge of novel-writing techniques.

• The ability to write concise, expressive, grammatical English.