Creative Writing Courses

My Creative Writing courses suit children (from about eight years), to teenagers and adults of all ages. Classes take place in Skerries Mills and in St. Oliver Plunkett School in Malahide.

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. Every Christmas I produce a booklet of students’ short stories, which sell for charity.

If you are interested in week-long summer courses for adults and children, please go to the summer camps page.

Timetable for Courses 2012

New Spring/Summer Term April 2012

MONDAYS	starts 23rd April (8 weeks)
Skerries Mills,  North Co. Dublin.	ADULT morning class	10.30am-12.30p.m.
TUESDAYS	starts 1st May (8 weeks)
St.Oliver Plunkett School  Malahide	CHILDREN 8 – 12 yr olds	4-5pm 5 – 6pm
THURSDAYS	starts 19th April (9 weeks)
Skerries Mills,  North Co. Dublin.	CHILDREN
	8 – 10 yr olds	2.55 – 3.55pm
	10 – 12 yr olds	4 – 5pm

Fridays	starts 27th  April (8 weeks)
Skerries Mills,    North Co. Dublin.	ADULT morning class	10.30a.m. – 12.30p.m.

Prices…

The adult eight week term costs €145 if booked, and paid for, before 16th March or €160 thereafter (with the option to pay in two installments of €80). Class size is limited to twelve.

The children’s eight week term in Malahide costs €95 if booked, and paid before, 16th March or €105 thereafter (with an option to pay in two installments of €52.50)** The maximum number in a group is twelve.

The children’s nine week term in Skerries costs €105 if booked, and paid before, 16th March or €115 thereafter (with an option to pay in two installments of €57.50)** The maximum number is limited to twelve.

There are no teenage classes after Easter.

Refund Policy

50% of fees are refundable two weeks before a course begins. There is no refund after that date.

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.

Each class size is limited to twelve. 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 contact page.