Creative Writing: From Inspiration to Craft

Unlock your creativity: Join our immersive creative writing course and embark on a transformative literary journey. Dive into the art of storytelling and hone your skills in crafting compelling narratives. This course will guide you from inspirational readings and discussions to hands-on writing assignments. You will explore new writing techniques on the examples of contemporary short story writers, and ultimately discover the power of your unique voice as you delve into character development, vivid descriptions, and gripping plotlines.

Course leader

Dr. Jana Zilova

Target group

Level: Bachelor's, master's and working professionals

Background: Students with at least some university experience who are curious about writing techniques and discovering more about the craft of creating writing are encouraged to apply. Working professionals who would like to delve into the art are also welcome to apply.

Course aim

This course offers to teach students the basics of storytelling and inspire them to find their own unique writing voice and style. The course combines theoretical elements such as literary analysis of short stories with practical daily writing sessions where students will write on assigned prompts. An essential part of this course is peer review and feedback, where students will closely examine each other’s work.

In this three week programme, students will examine specific topics such as character development, setting, dialogue, point of view (POV), detail, writing with the senses, etc. The course will also have a visit to an art museum where students will immerse themselves and choose a painting which speaks to them before writing reflective art essay on it. Students will also have the opportunity to hear from professional writers who will share their experiences with their creative process and techniques, followed by an open discussion.

Fee info

EUR 1750: All course readings and materials
Online payment costs
Lunch on class days
Excursions and excursion lunches
Welcome and farewell events
Access to the digital learning environment and UvA (digital) library
A UvA Student Card
Access to all university buildings and facilities
An official transcript or certificate of participation
A public transit card with small starter amount (you will receive this at the Academic Opening on the Sunday at the start of the programme)
EUR 850: This is the approximate housing fee for the duration of the programme. Arranging housing through our office is optional. 850 EU is the price for private room with shared facilitites. 950 EU is the price for a private room with private facilities.

Scholarships

Please see our website for up-to-date scholarship opportunities.