Courses

Who is it for?

Any writer, beginner or experienced who would like to work towards writing short stories.

What does it consist of?

The course is based on freewriting as a way to generate material that can be used as the basis for finished short fiction.  We’ll read (freely available) examples of excellent short stories from the past and use them as inspiration and jumping off points for exercises, games and experiments.  Elements of the short story such as characterisation, plot and structure will be discussed but not in a boring way!!

When and where is it?

Kyffin Cafe is at the far end of the High Street, towards the railway station, in Bangor, Gwynedd, North Wales.

Please note: THE ROOM IS NOT ACCESSIBLE TO WHEELCHAIR USERS OR THOSE WITH MOBILITY PROBLEMS (it’s up a flight of stairs, so Daleks need not apply).

The dates are:

Saturday September 28th, Saturday October 12th, Saturday October 26th, Saturday November 9th and (after an extra week off) Saturday November 30th, Saturday December 14th

Will I have to read my writing out loud?

No.  Freewriting is by definition rough, private, usually illogical writing and you will never be expected to read this to the group.  Later on in the course, when we start excerpting, editing and polishing the material generated by freewriting you’ll sometimes be invited to share that, but never compelled.

What do I need in terms of equipment?

I advise that freewriting is done by hand, so you’ll need a fast-flowing pen and plenty of paper.  If you find handwriting difficult for any reason you can bring a laptop but it’ll be up to you to set it up (plug it in, keep it quiet etc).

Will the classes be very serious?

Absolutely not.  The whole point is to approach creative writing in the spirit of play and enjoyment.  My aim is that it will feel more like being at a party than in a classroom!

How and when do I pay?

A downpayment of £50 will be due by the end of August. There are two ways to pay:-

You can post a cheque payable to “Kathy Hopewell” to  “Y Garnedd, Abercaseg Road, Bethesda, Gwynedd LL57 3SP”.

Alternatively you can use Paypal.  Please click the “Add to Cart” button below which takes you to a payment page.

Spontaneous Short Fiction (down payment)

book your place for this six-week writing course in Bangor, North Wales

£50.00

If the course fails to recruit (minimum 10 people), I’ll issue a refund.

The balance of £100 is due by September 13th.

Please pay either by cheque or by using the Paypal button below.

Spontaneous Short Fiction (balance)

complete the payment for this six-week writing course in Bangor, North Wales

£100.00

Here are some comments from people who took my last course, Spontaneous Creative Writing:-

“I enjoyed it all, even the parts that I thought I would struggle with.  There was a really positive and encouraging vibe set by Kathy.”

“This course has given me far more than I imagined.”

“I liked the tutor’s meticulous pre-planning for each session.”

“I particularly enjoyed the surrealist games and was surprised at how my writing developed over the weeks.”

“It was comfortable, friendly and confidence-building.  I was a little nervous about sharing my work but actually felt safe when it happened.”

“The worksheets and prompts were excellent.  The tutor’s approach was empathetic, respectful and non-judgemental.”

“I really feel that freewriting has been a pivotal tool in springboarding me into writing unselfconsciously.”

“It was what I hoped: a kick up the arse.  I realise now that writing something, however crap you might think it is at the time, is better than not writing at all.”