This Level II creative writing course runs for 8 weeks from 21 April – 16 June, with a hiatus on 5 May. It meets Thursdays 18:30 – 21:00 at Boekhandel van Rossum, Beethovenstraat 32, 1077 JH Amsterdam. Class size is 6-9 people.

Please see our page on the measures to reduce the risk of COVID-19 that we are putting into place and associated requirements for participation in this course. If you are unvaccinated or you or any members of your household are in a higher risk category, we recommend one of our online courses instead.

REQUIREMENTS

This course is open to writers who have completed at least two terms of Level I or equivalent training and by permission of the instructor. If you’re new to our group, please drop us a line before registering.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

Level II builds on the core skills acquired in Level I and introduces techniques specific to fiction or poetry. This course focusses on fiction and teaches skills and techniques needed for both short fiction and novels.

The course will guide you step-by-step through the process of completing a story. You’ll learn how to structure an effective story, create tension, develop characters, write dialogue, and craft compelling openings and satisfying endings.

In-depth analysis of examples and exercises help you to grow your writerly toolkit. Writers who’ve taken at least one term of Level II have an opportunity to bring in a story or excerpt of up to 2000 words outside of the regular course work.

The Level II curriculum is designed to give you a toolkit of fiction or poetry-specific techniques over the course of two to four 8-week terms, depending on your goals, focus and experience.

HOW IT WORKS

You’ll need to upload your work to our online platform the day before the next class. Critiquing is done in class. You will need access to a printer or device (phone, tablet, laptop) that will allow you to read handouts and your fellow student’s work during class.

OUR REFUND POLICY

No matter how early you register, if something changes and you can’t join the course, you can let us know at least 72 hours before the first class (so we can offer your spot to someone else) and we’ll give you a complete refund. You can find the full details of our generous refund policy in our terms.