Writing Courses

Can't beat the Open University courses.

The Writers Bureau are very good - I did a course with them myself a few years ago. --> http://www.writersbureau.com/ http://www.ukauthors.com

I did an OU one two or three years ago - just the 10 week one. The course materials were really good and it got me writing again after a long period of inactivity. But on the people side I was pretty disappointed as a lot of people barely appeared on the forums and most didn't post work for commenting, which was frustrating as feedback from neutral folk would have been useful. The tutor, who was good in all other ways, seemed a bit shy of pushing people to post. But I don't know what else she could have done! A friend of mine did the longer course and maybe that attracts different people as apparently they posted and commented more. Bit rambly but hope it helps!

You are probably too young but do they have U3A groups in Ireland? . If not why not start one. Find half a dozen people of like mind and meet at convenient intervals in each others homes over tea and biscuits to discuss and CONSTRUCTIVELY criticise.

i did the ou course (short ones in fiction and one in poetry) and they were very good, if a little delayed in crits etc... also found a local poet classes friendly n fun, you get it instant and it's much more satisfying... or try a more proffessional type of class - with university tutors - some areas have outside poetry schools and writers centres and they are also great fun to go too. its always disapointing if the others don;t play good or you ger to see the same participants everytime... or stay with abctales, its cheaper...

Hi Gabrielle I attended a fantastic writing course run by the Faber Academy. It was expensive, but every penny was well spent and the difference it made to my writing was immeasureable. I met some great people who made me feel so much better about my writing and really cheered me on. My class was 6 months part-time, so a fairly major investment of time, but Faber do run some much shorter classes, 1 day, 3 day classes. The academy has spread from London now to Dublin(and many other cities). There didn't seem to be any courses listed for Dublin on the site, but an enquiry might be a good idea. http://www.faberacademy.co.uk/Public/Home.aspx Netty

I'm yet another OU fan. I did the second level creative writing module. Expensive and hard work but well worth it. Maybe a bit too much commitment for some though.

I am of course bias because I work for Arvon (so apologise if this is a bit of an ad), but I do recommend their Starting to Write courses. You go away to one of the Arvon writing houses (set in beautiful countryside) with up to 15 other people, and immerse yourself in writing and the support of others for 5 days. The tutors are all highly respected authors, who will give you one-to-one tutorials as well as general workshops. The Starting to Write courses are intended for complete beginners (and those whose writing needs a kickstart) and the week is full of exercises to stimulate your imagination. The courses are over £600 but if you are on a low income there is a good chance you can get a grant from Arvon to help with your course fees. See www.arvonfoundation.org/courses for more info George at Arvon

We are doing a weekender writing course in Wales for people who want support and constructive criticism on something they're already working on. It's being tutored by Richard Skinner, Director of Faber Fiction Academy and guest tutor at Goldsmiths Uni - and there'll be plenty of time for writing and sharing work, as well as structured workshop time. Details are here: http://writingspaceuk.blogspot.com/ And we also have a Facebook page for general chit chat and updates on the world of writing: https://www.facebook.com/pages/WritingSpace/210132239029