Writing that elusive novel or novella

Perhaps you have a brilliant idea but are not sure how to proceed? Or a part-written novel that has lost its way? Perhaps you just want the confidence to start? We discuss what a novel can do and how readers become writers. We look at beginnings, middles and ends, at inspiration, and - crucially - how to keep going and build up a routine to avoid alluring distractions and self-doubt. There will be opportunities to share ideas and try out prompts and exercises for when you hit a wall. Finally, we discuss the path from idea to story to published book: the journey and challenge of completing a novel. This is a Creative Writing 10 session course and must be taken with W4CWAm50 in week 4.

Typical week: Monday to Friday 

Courses run from Monday to Friday. For each week of study, you select a morning (Am) course and an afternoon (Pm) course. The maximum class size is 25 students.   

Courses are complemented by a series of daily plenary lectures, exploring new ideas in a wide range of disciplines. To add to your learning experience, we are also planning additional evening talks and events. 

c.7.30am-9.00am	Breakfast in College (for residents)
9.00am-10.30am	Am Course
11.00am-12.15pm	Plenary Lecture
12.15pm-1.30pm	Lunch
1.30pm-3.00pm	Pm Course
3.30pm-4.45pm	Plenary Lecture/Free
6.00pm/6.15pm-7.15pm	Dinner in College (for residents)
7.30pm onwards	Evening talk/Event/Free

Evaluation and Academic Credit  

If you are seeking to enhance your own study experience, or earn academic credit from your Cambridge Summer Programme studies at your home institution, you can submit written work for assessment for one or more of your courses.  

Essay questions are set and assessed against the University of Cambridge standard by your Course Director, a list of essay questions can be found in the Course Materials. Essays are submitted two weeks after the end of each course, so those studying for multiple weeks need to plan their time accordingly. There is an evaluation fee of £75 per essay. 

For more information about writing essays see Evaluation and Academic Credit. 

Certificate of attendance 

A certificate of attendance will be sent to you electronically after the programme.