This Level II creative writing course runs for 8 weeks from 2 February – 30 March 2023 with a hiatus on 2 March. It meets Thursdays 18:30 – 21:00 at Studio BloemDwars, Bloemgracht 167, 1016 KM Amsterdam (see map). 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 primarily on fiction. You will be studying how to create tension, write effective dialogue, and craft compelling openings and satisfying endings.

In Level II you’ll continue to grow your writerly toolkit through weekly exercises and in-depth analysis of example pieces. We will read and analyse at least three stories during the term. The final third of the class is focussed on carrying forward an exercise—building towards a completed story.

Writers who’ve completed at least one term of Level II have an opportunity to bring in a story of up to 2000 words outside of the weekly exercises for critique.

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.

We currently teach four core levels of courses—each level (usually completed over multiple consecutive terms) builds on the skills and techniques taught in the level before, and at the end of every term your instructor will help you decide on the best path forward.

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.

We will be using a required anthology this term: That Glimpse of Truth: The 100 Finest Short Stories Ever Written, David Miller editor. You can purchase a copy at Boekhandel van Rossum or it’s also available from most major retailers (also as an ebook).

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.