Hilton Als has described the essay as ‘a form without a form – until you make it’. In this inspiring one-day course you will consider the ways in which writers have created the essay form, and why as writers we might choose one approach over another. With your tutor, essayist and non-fiction writer Amy Key, and a group of fellow writers, you’ll explore the following:
- The features of, and differences between, the various types of essay including:
- personal narrative and memoir
- creative non-fiction
- literary journalism
- the lyric essay
- How personal narrative can be used to bring ideas and perspectives to life
- The challenges and ethics of writing non-fiction
- Where to take your work next
There will be plenty of examples, writing prompts and opportunities for discussion. Whether you’ve got a work in progress, you’re shifting between genres, or you just want to write your first essay since leaving school, you’ll end the day with some fresh stimulus, ideas you can continue to develop and some new favourite writers.
Is this course for me?
Our one-day courses are aimed at anyone who is currently, or would like to begin, writing. They are often attended by:
- writers who would like a concentrated bolt of creative inspiration
- writers who would like to try out writing in a different genre
- beginners who would like to dip their toe into writing
- writers who have responsibilities which mean our longer format courses are not possible
All sessions of the day are delivered live via Zoom meetings, with the option of cameras off or on. We strongly encourage you to participate in the live sessions, but if you find yourself unable to attend on the day, it will be possible to watch the recordings of each session at any time over the course of the following month.
We have limited concession places available for this course (which are bookable through the usual booking process), as well as some fully funded places for those who cannot afford the concession rate. For more information please email grants@arvon.org.
Online: £90
Concessions: £63
As part of our effort to increase participation in the arts, a limited number of 30% concessions are available for this course at checkout, as well as two fully funded places for those who cannot afford the concession rate. To request a fully funded place please email grants@arvon.org.
We are committed to making our Arvon at Home programme accessible to as many people as possible.
Across all of Arvon at Home
- All sessions will have auto-generated captioning.
- There is a Chat facility to ask any questions.
Masterclasses
- A recording of the Masterclass will be available to view for one month after it is aired live, simply log in to your account on our website and you’ll find a link under the ‘Event Details’ tab in the ‘Video recording’ column (you may need to scroll right on your screen to see it), similarly, if any learning resources are available, another link will appear under the ‘Course Materials’ tab.
- There is a Chat and Q & A facility to ask any questions.
- Zoom webinar format (your video and audio will remain off throughout & your name will not be visible to other participants, so it is a ‘relaxed’ event).
- During sessions we will have a text version available via screen share (if you require these in advance of the session, please email arvonathome@arvon.org).
Online Writing Day
- A recording of the workshops will be available to view for one month after it is aired live, simply log in to your account on our website and you’ll find a link under the ‘Event Details’ tab in the ‘Video recording’ column (you may need to scroll right on your screen to see it), similarly, if any learning resources are available, another link will appear under the ‘Course Materials’ tab.
- There is a Chat and Q & A facility to ask any questions.
- All sessions of the day are delivered live via Zoom meetings, with the option of cameras off or on.
- During sessions we will have a text version available via screen share (if you require these in advance of the session, please email arvonathome@arvon.org).
How I Write
- There is a chat and Q&A facility to ask any questions.
- Zoom webinar format (your video and audio will remain off throughout, & your name will not be visible to other participants so it is a ‘relaxed’ event).
- A recording will be available to view for one month after the event is aired live, simply log in to your account on our website and you’ll find a link under the ‘Event Details’ tab in the ‘Video recording’ column (you may need to scroll right on your screen to see it), similarly, if any learning resources are available, another link will appear under the ‘Course Materials’ tab.
Online Writing Weeks / Weekends
- Courses are delivered by Zoom meeting, which means they are not recorded.
- Courses have much smaller groups than Masterclasses and How I Write events, and are also more interactive with your fellow course participants and tutors, so cameras and audio are usually on (though both are completely optional). If you would prefer your camera and audio to be off at all times, it would be helpful to let your course host know this in advance.
- We use Padlet as a landing page for all course materials, and to provide an optional platform for interaction with your tutors and fellow course participants. If you would like some more information about this, or if you have any anxiety about using this platform, please email arvonathome@arvon.org.
Subject to funding/permissions (please contact arvonathome@arvon.org for more details)
- Recording of Writing Weeks and Weekends.
- Downloadable transcripts.
- BSL interpretation.
- Live captioning.
If you have any access issues that we have not covered here, please contact us on access@arvon.org
See here for more access information.