Developing Your Voice as a Writer

Overview  

This course helps learners develop a personal voice and style in their writing. Through individual research, guided exercises and examination of published writers, possessing strong writing styles, participants will be helped to access their own distinct voice. Developing a personal voice and style in writing requires work and guidance. Led by an experienced and published tutor, this course aids and supports writers, and would be writers, in developing an individual voice, so that they can then tackle writing projects with confidence. Through a series of lectures and seminars, learners will focus on developing a writing voice through analysis and discussion of various texts, written exercises and exploration of the senses.

Programme  

During the course, learners will cover the following aspects:

1 - Focusing on developing a writing voice through:

• Reading of selected texts by tutor and learners, followed by analysis and discussion.
• Written exercises using prose, free writing, poetry and dialogue.
• Exploration of the senses, the imagination, the emotions and external elements such as music, landscape and activities.
• Rewriting a well-known story.

2 - Analysis of the self and others as a writer through:

• Written exercises, a reflective journal and group work. 
• Listening to, reflecting on and discussing own and others’ work, with reference to development of a voice in writing.

Learning Outcomes 

On completion of this module, students should be able to:   

• Produce a portfolio of writing created on the course, including at least two finished pieces of writing (e.g. a short story, a poem, a script)
• Engage with and discuss selected texts in groups.
• Discuss the development of own and others writing voice in sub-groups.
• Be able to reflect on other writers’ practice.

Assessments 

1. Written Assignment (1800 words; 80%)  
2. Discussion Board Contribution (200 words; 20%)

Reading Suggestions 

Reading suggestions will be offered throughout the course.

Enquiry Requirements 

This course is for everyone. No previous experience is needed and there are no formal entry requirements. 

What do I need?  

As this is an online course, you would need the following: 

• Internet access.
• Access to a laptop or computer with a web camera and microphone; the use of headphones might also be of benefit.
  
• Use of the Chrome web-browser where possible.