Q&A with Short Courses Creative Writing Teaching Fellow
Nicky Melville shares more details about his Term 1 Creative Writing courses.
Short Courses Creative Writing Teaching Fellow Nicky Melville tells us about his two 10-week courses 'Writing Creative Non-fiction' and 'Poetry in Practice' both running this autumn.
Hello Nicky! Which courses are you teaching in Term 1 and what are the main topics that your courses explore?
1. Writing Creative Non-fiction
This course (starting in September) explores a breadth of non-fiction writing covering many topics and styles of writing, supplemented and underpinned with exercises inspired by the weekly reading.
Students will be introduced to a range of writers and writing that they might not know.
This course begins in early October and focuses on modern poetry and poetic thinking supplemented and underpinned with exercises inspired by the weekly reading.
There is no other course with the contemporary range and scope of Poetry in Practice currently on offer in Edinburgh, enhanced by my own experience and knowledge as a practicing, published poet.
What do students tend to enjoy most about your courses?
Students enjoy being introduced to writers and writing that they might not otherwise have come across, and the writing exercises that they inform. They also really appreciate being taught by a working writer.
How will the courses be of a similar standard remotely to the on-campus version?
It will be more or less the same. Online classes can even enhance the experience as it allows/demands more room for individual focus and less distraction of a classroom.
In terms of opportunities for discussion, how will the course be similar to the classroom experience?
No difference. Everyone will have the chance to discuss the writing/converse with each other and the tutor. Students will also have the opportunity to ask questions - classes are a two-way street.
What transferrable skills might students acquire by taking one of your courses?
Improved writing, close reading and analytical skills.
What have some of your former students gone onto achieve after taking your course?
Many students have gone on to be published writers in magazines, online and book form; some have gone on to further study in Higher Education at all levels: Undergraduate, Master’s level and at least one PhD.
In terms of workload, about how many hours a week will students be expected to put in?
Up to two hours reading preparation.
Ready to hone your creative writing skills this autumn?
Book Your Place on Writing Creative Non-Fiction
Book Your Place on Poetry in Practice