Course Overview

This introductory approach to creative writing explores a broad spectrum of form, style and technique for the aspiring writer to develop a firm foundation and regular practice. We achieve this by way of practical workshops aimed to build up the writer’s tool kit and confidence levels. Each week we focus on different aspects of poetry and/or short-form prose, considering each craft element by way of example followed by practice. We will explore works from a number of established and master writers, their lead at first to discover our own stories. Each participant will produce a volume of first drafts (of poems and short fictions) which can be developed further after the course and if so wished, honed further towards publication.

In ‘Creative Writing – An Introduction’, each 2-hour class explores a varied range of quality examples of poetry and/or short fiction, followed by related, guided prompts aimed to begin new drafts of work, along with an option to share and receive feedback. You can expect to generate 2-4 new drafts per session. The following topics form the basis for the 10 workshops, while the list remains flexible and changeable depending on the general interests of the class as we progress. 

Course Schedule 

Classes will be delivered online on Wednesdays 7-9pm for ten weeks from 27 January to 7 April.

1. The Language of Metaphor and Imagination
2. Writing a Short Story
3. Ekphrasis Level 1
4. Gathering Materials, creating Drafts
5. Imagery: Writing through the Senses and Emotion
6. Overcoming Cliché and being Specific
7. Understanding Forms in Poetry (Couplets, Limericks, Pantoums, Villanelles)
8. Sound and Poetry
9. Exploring Perspective and Point-of-View OR More Forms (Class Choice)
10. Peer Feedback Session & Discussion on Publishing

Course Lecturer

Paul Casey's poems are published in journals and anthologies in Ireland and worldwide, in five of his six spoken languages. He has taught creative writing since 2003 and works with students of all ages. His most recent collection is Virtual Tides (Salmon Poetry, 2016), which follows home more or less (Salmon, 2012) and a chapbook, It's Not all Bad (Heaventree Press, 2009). He also made a poetry-film, The Lammas Hireling (available on vimeo), curates the annual Unfinished Book of Poetry for secondary school students and promotes poetry in his role as director of Ó Bhéal in Cork - www.obheal.ie

Entry Requirements

Applicants must be at least 18 years old at course commencement.

Assessment

Short courses are not assessed. Students will receive a UCC Certificate of Attendance upon completion.

Closing Date for Application

Monday 18 January

Contact Details for Further Information

Regina Sexton, Phone: 021-4904700, Email: shortcourses@ucc.ie