Presented by Ross Campbell
"Various aspects of writing are covered on the course, including short story writing, memoirs and some prose writing. While much of it covers fiction writing there is also some non-fiction and the short story section will involve aspects such as creating characters, plotting, setting and dialogue. Editing and polishing your work is also included” said Ross.
I spoke to Pat, one of the participants on a course I taught previously. I asked him how he found it.
“I learnt the important techniques in writing, such as how to plan a piece, or using dialogue or creating characters,” Pat said.
He found his writing has improved a lot since he started doing the first course.
"I’m interested in writing historical fiction and I have written a number of short stories set in a bygone era.” explained Pat. “Sometimes I would over embellish my writing”, he said, “I would wander off the point, but after doing these courses I’m less likely to do that now. I now recognise more of where my mistakes were. It’s good to have someone point them out to you”, said Pat. “I also write a journal, I started this about 7 years ago. The feedback you get on the course is very useful. Before doing the courses I wouldn’t have had the same opportunity for regular feedback as I got from being able to share my writing with others”. he said.
"The class is very relaxed and informal. Participants are gently encouraged and the emphasis is on building on the skills and abilities of the participants rather than criticism. It takes a lot of courage to submit work to a writers group”, says Ross.
“The course takes the form of a workshop. The tutor gives writing assignments each week to the class to do for the following week for discussion. Participants email their pieces to the tutor beforehand and he then circulates their pieces to all the other participants by email. This system has the big advantage that everyone will have been able to read each other’s work before coming into the class to discuss it. There is no need therefore for much class time to be taken up with reading participants work.”
For further information and a brochure please contact Pipers Hill College, adult education office on 045 898923 or contact Ross on 085 1395 320 Email: adulteducation@phcol.ie