This course, Writing From the Sentence Up with Emily Bitto, will take place online.

Regardless of genre, style or level of experience, all writers work with words and sentences as the basic units of prose. This online writing course with Emily Bitto will re-focus your writing on the level of the sentence, providing practical ways to improve your prose in both drafting and editing stages. You will learn, among other things, to write more freely and imaginatively, to strengthen your verbs, avoid cliché, master imagery and metaphor, and edit your work, and the work of others, more effectively.

Is this course right for you? Read our FAQ >

This online course involves a combination of readings, writing exercises and workshopping to empower you to elevate your sentences from ordinary to sublime.

Expected Learning Outcomes

1. Participants will gain a better understanding of what makes a good (or bad) sentence across a range of contexts.
2. Participants will learn to read and evaluate their own and other people’s writing on a sentence level.
3. Participants will finish the course with practical techniques and exercises for improving their sentences in an ongoing manner.

Participant Requirements

Internet access and confidence using basic computer software are essential for this program.

You do not need to log into the course at a specific time and there are no live meetings. You will receive an email with an invitation link to join the online classroom a week before the course starts.

• Participants will work through several lessons, which will open sequentially over the first few days of the course.
• You can complete the lesson material in your own time.
• This course includes short writing assignments and the opportunity to give and receive peer feedback. Some of your assignments will receive tutor feedback if completed by the deadlines provided.

Please expect to spend a minimum of six hours on the course, noting that the amount of time needed to read, respond to discussions, write, revise and critique will vary from person to person. We recommend allocating an hour a day to the course while it is running. By setting aside this time, you will get the most out of the course, and be able to engage with other participants and the tutor.

Please read our FAQ> before enrolling. If you have any questions, please contact us.

Reviews

‘This course has completely changed the way I write and think about writing – in just a few days. I spent the last few months reading great historical fiction, spotting beautiful sentences and wondering “how” the authors did that. Your course definitely answered the how.’ – Birgit

‘The course had valuable lessons, the tutor’s feedback was thorough and encouraging. The online platform for the course was very accessible and convenient (I would not be able to participate face-to-face as I live in rural NSW).’ – Irina

More from Writing NSW

Check out our full range of online and in-person writing courses and our feedback programs to see how we can help you on your writing journey. Find out about our prizes and opportunities, as well as writing groups across NSW, and sign up to our weekly newsletter for writing events, opportunities and giveaways.