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This module focuses on concepts, skills and techniques for the pre-writing development of a full-length narrative project. Each session examines a particular element of pre-writing, building into a complete process you can use to hone and shape a potential novel, graphic novel, or screenplay or other narrative project. The first few sessions interrogate the initial stages of your creative process, such as defining the purpose of your work, and examining ways to develop ideas into stories. Next you will explore thematic architecture and linguistic development to enrich your world-building and create a purposeful network of themes and ideas underpinning your narrative. The following weeks are devoted to characterisation and structure, helping you build unique characters and define the most appropriate choice of tone and narrative position(s) for your project. Plot and synopsis writing sessions give you the tools to shape a compelling journey for your project and its characters while embracing the challenges of perfect pacing and elegant exposition.

LO1: critically engage with the principal skills, techniques and practices used to develop an initial idea into a marketable commercial project
LO2: examine your purpose as a writer and the purpose of your narrative project
LO3: critically explore skills, techniques and practices for creating memorable, compelling and believable characters
LO4: appraise, conceptualise and evaluate problems and issues in story structure and plot
LO5: undertake relevant, professional level research for your narrative project