Kickstart Your Writing

Concentrating on prose fiction, this course explores common challenges writers face, such as fear, perfectionism, lack of inspiration, and the inner critic. You will learn practical strategies to overcome these obstacles and spark creativity.  

Ideal for beginners and those looking to refresh their skills, the course offers a supportive environment to develop both your writing habits and your craft. Through discussion, reflection, and hands-on exercises, you will gain confidence and insight into your creative process.

Any recommended reading will be advised by the course teacher once the course is confirmed to run. You will require access to a computer or other device with internet connection.

If you have fully engaged with all the learning activities and have attended regularly, by the end of the course you should be able to:  

• Employ a variety of techniques for writing and generating ideas
• Understand what helps and what hinders their individual creative process
• Develop a short piece of writing from a journal entry
• Maintain a writing practice

No previous experience is required.  

We welcome all and are committed to fostering a positive culture and sense of community among learners and staff. We expect learners to treat others with dignity and respect. Learners must be aged 16+.  

If you have a disability, learning difficulty, health condition, or personal circumstances which may affect your learning, please let us know so that we can make appropriate adjustments in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.  

Wherever possible, we mainstream adjustments in line with the University’s Accessible and Inclusive Learning Policy.

Learners will have limited access to the University’s student support services who will signpost appropriate local sources of support. 

This course is suitable for those with no prior experience of university study.  

You will need to have reading, listening and communication skills, including the ability to understand detailed ideas and information presented verbally and in writing. You must be comfortable learning in English if it is not your first language. You will need basic digital skills, such as using a computer and navigating a website, to access the learning materials.

Booking is available until 23:59 the day before the course is due to start, unless the course is full or cancelled.