Creative writing courses, Algarve

Anthology of Short Stories set in the Algarve. We are currently hoping to put together an anthology of short stories set in the Algarve. The aim is to provide a snapshot of life in the Algarve. If you are an established writer and would like to submit a short story (any genre considered) between 500 - 5000 words, please do so to before end of April 2008.

'First, find out what your character wants. Then just follow him.' Ray Bradbury

Writing short fiction

Introductory five week courses on writing the short story. Workshops held on Saturdays between 2.00 - 4.30pm (including a 20 min. coffee break).

Writing can be fun and immensely rewarding - albeit not as easy as it seems! The main aim of the course is to encourage you to write fiction, to enjoy it and to continue writing. It is both for beginning writers and for those who have written fiction (or other forms) but not in a sustained way. During the course we will consider different sources as ideas for stories, encourage you to keep a notebook, to observe and listen as well as to use the imagination and memory. We will study a couple of published short stories (these will be provided) and focus on specific writing skills such as how to create a character, write dialogue, description, develop a plot, 'show, not tell' and introduce different forms of narration.

At the end of the course, you may submit your short story (of up to 2000 words) for written feedback. 

Course Structure: The 5 x 2.5 hour workshops will include class exercises, discussions and weekly assignments. We will analyse a couple of published short stories and extracts as well as share work in class.

Dates for 2008: (To be announced. Please get in touch if you are interested.)                     

Cost:         120 Euros (including handouts, a copy of The Writing Fiction Workbook and end of course written feedback)

Place:        Casa Mira Montanha, Chilrão

Places must be booked and paid for in advance. Class sizes are between 4 - 6 students (a minimum of 4 students is needed to run a course.)

One to one tuition, based around your individual needs as a writer, is also available. An initial tutorial to determine your aims is offered free of charge. Thereafter, the cost is 25 euros per hour. An hour a week is recommended but you may choose to have as many or as few sessions as you want. You may submit up to 2,000 words for discussion each session.

Other courses also available in Writing Memoirs, Scriptwriting, Children's Fiction and Writing the Novel.

Last updated 5 January 2008