Creative Writing Courses

My Creative Writing courses suit children (from about seven years), to teenagers and adults of all ages. Classes take place in local libraries, schools, bookshops, castles and art galleries – anywhere beautiful and inspirational.

My focus is on having fun and letting the creative side run free. I teach groups and also one-to-one classes.

My students have had stories published and won national writing competitions. Last year I produced two booklets of students’ short stories, which sold for charity.

Timetable for Courses 2010

Summer Camps available to book in July and August.[details]

New !
12 week courses for Children and Adults begins Monday 20th September, and leads to the publication of the students' short stories (in a booklet to be sold for charity) at Christmas.
[more info]

**(exculding one week break at Oct Bank Holiday 25th-29th Oct).

MONDAYS	starts 20th Sept
Skerries Mills, North Co. Dublin	ADULT morning class	10.30am-12.30
TUESDAYS	starts 21st Sept
St.Oliver Plunkett School Malahide	CHILDREN	4-5pm
WEDNESDAYS	starts 22nd Sept
3 Strand St, Skerries.	TEENAGERS 12-16yr olds	5.15pm - 6.16pm
THURSDAYS	starts 23rd Sept
Skerries Mills, North Co. Dublin.	CHILDREN
	8 - 10 yr olds	2.55 - 3.55pm
	10 - 12 yr olds	4 - 5pm
FRIDAYS	starts 24th Sept
Donabate Community Centre.	ADULTS	11am - 1pm

Prices...
Cost of twelve week adult course is €215, if booked and paid for in full, before 10th September - or €240 therefter.
(There is also the option to pay two installments of €120).

Cost of twelve week children / teen course is €150, if booked and paid in full, before 6th September - or €168 thereafter.
(There is also the option to pay two installments of €84)

Course Content
I emphasise how everyone is unique and writes in his/her own way. Within that structure, I focus on the needs of each group and the following topics:

Creating Believable and interesting characters.
Interviewing Characters.
Writing Character Curriculum Vitae's.
Revealing character through conflict and action. (Showing not telling)

Writing believable Dialogue
Punctuating Dialogue.
Writing speech and action tag lines.
Revealing Character through Dialogue. (Showing not telling)
Giving each character a distinct voice.

Plot. Beginning your story - grabbing the reader's attention.
Structuring your story - beginning, middle, climax, and wrapping up the loose ends.
The Hero's Journey.

Completing your story.
Finishing with a twist.
Editing your work.
Submitting your work to magazines/competitions.

The average class size is six or eight. Students are encouraged to read out their work, but never forced, and receive supportive and constructive feedback.

If you would like more information or would like to book a course, please contact me through the [contacts page].