Course Overview

The Certificate in Creative Writing (Fiction) is a comprehensive course in fiction writing. The course explores technical aspects of fiction writing, such as narrative voice, point of view, character, story setting, dialogue, dialogue, story structure, plotting, creating action, time, imagery and figurative language. The course also covers revising and editing your writing, and how to recognise when a story needs work and when it needs to be left alone. You will also read the work of other writers, think about what fiction is, how it works, why it works when it works, and why it doesn’t when it doesn’t. Classes are taught as workshops, consisting of reading and writing activities, conversations, discussions, and practice. There will be interaction and dialogue, and most of all, writing. You will also learn how to prepare a piece of fiction for publication. By the end of the course you will have developed your own portfolio of fiction.

This course is suitable for all levels from beginners to more experienced writers.

Credits: 10 ECTS

Validated by South East Technological University

“When I started the Certificate in Creative Writing last September, I hoped for something to really tighten my focus, a course that would get into the depths of fiction writing.  The teaching was perceptive and engaging and the exercises really honed certain techniques. There is nothing as inspiring for someone who wants to take writing seriously than to be in a room for three hours where you discuss and learn the craft and share your work with others.”

– Colin Leonard, completed Certificate in Creative Writing (Fiction) in December 2023

Course Practicalities

Course will be delivered on Thursday evenings from 6.30pm – 9.30pm on-site for 12 weeks, week commencing on 14th September 2026.  Scheduled day may be subject to change. Onsite orientation will be held on Tuesday 8th September in Carlow.

Course Content

The course will cover key aspects of fiction writing, including:

• Getting started
• Perception and perceptiveness
• Story structure: story, plot, action, time
• Creating characters
• Dialogue
• Narrative point of view and narration
• Imagery and figurative language
• Showing and telling
• Story setting
• Revising and editing your work
• Preparing for submission and publication

Assessment

Learners will be required to submit a 1000-1250 word Short Prose Piece based on an exercise performed in class and re-drafted after in-class feedback and commentary and also a Writing Portfolio.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must be resident in Ireland and at least 18 years old at course commencement, in accordance with Carlow College Admission Guidelines and Procedures for Part-Time Learners

Contact Details for Further Information

Course Enquiries: esmith@carlowcollege.ie

Admissions: directentry@carlowcollege.ie

Closing date for bookings is Thursday, 6th August or when places are filled.

Please note our refund policy as follows

Carlow College will not issue any refunds for Certificate Programmes owing to the short duration of these programme, as per the Fees & Refund Policy

However, 100% refund will be issued if course is cancelled due to insufficient numbers.

Data Protection

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