Embarking on a creative writing course is an adventure filled with discovery, personal growth, and the joy of crafting stories. If you’re considering a creative writing summer course or simply curious about what such a course entails, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you understand what to expect.

What’s Included in an Oxford Summer Course?

Our tailored summer courses for ages 9-24 include all teaching and academic content, accommodation, meals (including Friday night formal dinners), a prize-giving ceremony, all-day trips and activities, airport transfers, access to Oxford Summer Courses Foundations, travel and medical insurance, and a welcome pack. Apply now to secure your spot in one of our comprehensive summer courses.

Expect the Unexpected

When joining a creative writing course, especially at a prestigious institution like Oxford, it’s best to come with an open mind. You might have a certain agenda or set of expectations, but the real magic happens when you embrace the unexpected. Your creative juices will flow, and you’ll leave with more than you anticipated, perhaps even a renewed determination to tackle the blank page.

My Personal Experience

During my time attending scriptwriting classes at university, I was unsure of what to expect. I had a vague idea of wanting to write something and a desire to learn how to do it better. This uncertainty was shared by many in my class, but it became clear that sharing our ideas, no matter how unpolished, was key to our growth as writers.

The Importance of Sharing and Feedback

Expressing ideas to a group and receiving feedback is a fundamental part of any creative writing course. It’s where the magic happens. You learn about yourself as a writer, gain insights into your peers' work, and understand the craft better. Here are three things you should expect (and embrace) from a creative writing class:

1. Stand Up and Present

Your tutor and classmates will want to know who you are, where you’re from, and what you’re writing about. Be ready to speak to the group and do justice to your writing. At Oxford Summer Courses, creative writing students aged 16-24 are taught through seminars and tutorials, offering valuable opportunities to present and discuss their work both in groups and individually.

2. Working as a Group

Expect to be randomly paired and given a short time to create an original piece of writing for presentation to the group. This could involve tasks like writing short stories or poems based on specific prompts such as newspaper clippings or photographs. These exercises, though challenging, are immensely satisfying upon completion. Sharing your work with fellow students and your tutor will provide constructive feedback and invaluable advice.

3. Be Prepared to Perform

Performing is different from presenting. You may be required to get into character and speak the lines you’ve written. This exercise will highlight what works well and what needs more attention. Embrace this nerve-wracking element of creative writing classes, workshop your ideas, and be willing to re-write. Understand the difference between plain feedback and helpful feedback.

Key Benefits of a Creative Writing Course

Joining a creative writing course offers numerous benefits beyond honing your writing skills. Here’s what you can look forward to:

1. Boosting Imagination

Creative writing courses stimulate your brain to think outside the box. By creating new worlds, situations, and characters, you’ll become adept at discovering alternative solutions to problems and looking at issues from different angles.

2. Developing Empathy

Creating characters with different personalities, emotions, and worldviews helps you develop empathy. Understanding diverse perspectives enriches your own life and improves your ability to connect with others.

3. Clarifying Thoughts

Developing structures within creative writing helps clarify your thoughts and emotions. You’ll learn to define clear pathways to overcome problems, which is beneficial in all areas of life.

4. Expanding Vocabulary

Creative writing encourages you to explore new ways of expressing yourself. Over time, you’ll develop a broader vocabulary, which is invaluable in any career path and social situation.

5. Enhancing Critical Review Skills

Part of the course involves having your work reviewed by others and learning to critically review theirs. Accepting constructive criticism is a crucial skill that will benefit you in any professional or academic setting.

Preparing for Your Course

Before you start your creative writing course, it’s helpful to come prepared:

1. Bring an Open Mind

Be ready to embrace new ideas and techniques. The more open you are, the more you’ll benefit from the course.

2. Practice Writing Regularly

Get into the habit of writing daily. This will make it easier to keep up with the course’s demands and improve your skills faster.

3. Read Widely

Reading different genres and styles will give you a broader perspective and inspire your writing.

4. Be Ready to Share

Sharing your work with others can be daunting, but it’s an essential part of the learning process. Be prepared to receive and give constructive feedback.

Conclusion

A creative writing course is a journey of self-discovery and growth. At Oxford Summer Courses, we provide a supportive and stimulating environment where you can explore your creativity, develop your writing skills, and gain valuable insights from experienced tutors and fellow students. Embrace the unexpected, be ready to share and receive feedback, and enjoy the process of bringing your ideas to life.

Ready to Join Oxford Summer Courses?

After submitting your application, we'll be in touch very soon to inform you of the outcome. Apply now to begin your journey with Oxford Summer Courses!

About the author

Rhys Mackenzie is the Website Marketing Manager at Oxford Summer Courses. With extensive experience in SEO and digital content management, they are passionate about showcasing the best that Oxford has to offer. Their previous role at Experience Oxfordshire gave them a deep appreciation for the city's unique cultural and academic offerings. Learn more about Rhys here.