Creative
Writing Course

by Tolulope PopoolaAuthor, Writing Coach and Publisher


 

Hello writer 🙂

  • Writer thinkingDo you keep a diary? Do you journal regularly and now want to write a book?

  • Have you been struggling for years with sorting out your ideas, and turning them into a proper story?

  • Are you ready to write that book you’ve been thinking about, but procrastinating on?

  • Do you want to get started and make progress with your writing goals, finally?

  • Do you need a road-map to help you go from “I have no clue what to do!” to “I am now confidently working on my novel?”

  • Have you been struggling with too many distractions, time constraints, or self-doubt?

  • Are you feeling overwhelmed with the thought of writing so many thousand words?

  • Would you like clarity and exact step-by-step guidance to help banish confusion and get you writing with ease?

  • Are you ready to give it a try? Ready to embrace your talent, and finally express your writing abilities?


If you have answered yes to any of the above questions, then you’re in the right place! Join me, Tolulope Popoola, as I teach this Creative Writing Course for new and aspiring novelists. 

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There are two options for taking this course: Physical or Virtual Classroom or Self-Study.

The Classroom lessons hold on Saturday afternoons, from 4pm to 6pm. The sessions include:

• a tutorial to introduce the concepts we’ll be discussing

•  a writing exercise

• feedback on your writing

•  an assignment every week, so that you continue making progress

You’ll receive a workbook with the notes, questions and exercises we’ll be doing. This will help you keep track of your work, and you can re-use it when working on other writing ideas.

At the end of the eight weeks, each participant of the classroom creative writing course will receive a Certificate of Completion.

 The Online Self-Study option is available anytime. The content of the creative writing course has been packaged into audio lessons, lecture notes and workbooks that you can access anytime through our online academy on Teachable.


During this course, you’ll learn:

  • How to choose a great idea for your novel

  • How to refine your ideas and pick one worth spending weeks and months on

  • How to create interesting characters (and choose your protagonist)

  • What point of view is, and which one suits you (and your story) best

  • How to choose a setting in time and place that works for the story you’re telling

  • What elements are absolutely essential to crafting a compelling plot

  • How to write your outline and synopsis and lots more!

At the end of the course, you will have started writing your novel, and you’ll be armed with the knowledge you need to keep going. 


Course Schedule:

Week 1: In the first week, we’ll look at how to find ideas for our stories, the power of memory and the importance of observation. We will discuss how to separate good ideas from boring ones.

Week 2: This week, we will talk about characters and how they are central to any story. How do we create characters that are unforgettable and realistic? Who is the protagonist in the story? Who is the antagonist? What are their motives? Students will get the chance to create their own characters.

Week 3: This week, we will discuss a story’s point of view (POV). Every piece of writing comes from a particular point of view, as in who is telling the story. How your choice of first, second or third person POV can have a dramatic effect on how readers engage with your story.

Week 4: This week, we will look at the importance of the Setting of a story, i.e. Time and Place. Where does the story take place? What time period is it?

Week 5: This week, we will discuss Plot. How you can weave a great plot that involves conflict and suspense. How can we create a compelling script that keeps readers interested in reading the story?

Week 6: This week we’ll learn how to write effective dialogue. How to differentiate your voice as an author, writing dialogue between characters, use of dialect, slangs and informal words and some tips on the mechanics of laying out your text.

Week 7: This week we’ll learn about writing descriptively. How to bring scenes, imagery and emotions to your writing, and make them real in your reader’s mind. How to use adjectives, similes and metaphors effectively. And how to “show not tell”.

Week 8: This week we’ll talk about Plot Twists. The different types, and how to use them in your story to keep the readers guessing, or change their expectations. 

Bonus Material: We’ll take a look at finishing the first draft, editing and proofreading the manuscript, and how to get published.

PS: This class is aimed at beginners, although writers who have started working on short stories, blogs, articles and other ideas can also join. There’s always something new to learn, and it’s always good to meet fellow writers too.


Course Host:

My name is Tolulope Popoola and I’m the facilitator for this creative writing workshop. I’m an award winning Author, Writing Coach and Publisher, and the founder of Accomplish Press and The Creative Writing AcademyI run coaching, consulting and publishing programmes for aspiring authors, and I teach Creative Writing classes for both adults and children. I have published a novel, and two collections of flash fiction stories, and written extensively for many magazines and publications. I used to be an accountant until I quit my job in 2008, now I have successfully switched careers from Accounting to Writing and Publishing, and if you want to learn how, I can teach you to do the same!

I have received many awards, including a special Award of Excellence at the 2016 Nigerian Writers’ Awards, and was shortlisted for Diaspora Writer of the Year for the 2017 awards. I was second runner up at the Women In Publishing (UK) Awards 2012, for the New Venture Award for pioneering work on behalf of under-represented groups in society. I was recently named as one of the “most influential Nigerian writers under 40”. My first novel Nothing Comes Close was named one of the best books of 2012 by Africa Book Club. And I have also earned the nickname of Africa’s flash fiction queen for my unique flash fiction stories. My work was recently noticed by Lancome, the international luxury cosmetics company and I was featured alongside other amazing women for their “My Shade, My Power” campaign.


 

When does the next course start?

Classroom Course Dates: July 2024

Venue: Marshalls Park Academy, Pettits Lane, Romford, Essex RM1 4EH

Time: 4pm – 6pm

Fees: £300 for 8-week Classroom Course                  £99 for Self-Study Course

If you would like to take this course, but you cannot commit to the eight weeks, there is an intensive, fast-track option! You can take the course in just one weekend. Click here to find out more about the Intensive Creative Writing Workshop.

Reminder: The Self-Study course starts anytime! It is for writers who cannot attend the physical classes or prefer to study the material in their own time. When you register, you will have all the course materials and audio recordings through our online platform on  Teachable. That way you can access the course content anytime you want, in the comfort of your own home. 

Please let us know which option you want to register for by indicating below in the registration form. Thank you.


Frequently Asked Questions

Will I receive a certificate after taking the course?

Yes, there will be certificates issued to the Classroom and Virtual attendants. Unfortunately, we cannot issue certificates to the Self-Study students.

Is the Self-Study option worth it?

Yes. The Self-Study course contains audio lessons that Ms Popoola has recorded that you can listen to. There are lecture notes to go along with the audio files, as well as workbooks for you to use when working on the topics and storytelling concepts. You’ll have lifetime access to these materials, so you can go through them in your own time, and you can use them over and over again.

Do you run the classroom sessions outside London?

At the moment, we run the classroom sessions in London, UK. If this changes, we will let you know. In the meantime, anyone who cannot attend the classes can take the Online Self-Study option.

Can I get a refund after taking the course?

No, the course fees are not refundable.


Are you interested in enrolling on this course? Please fill out the registration form below now.

If you have any more questions, please email [email protected] today.

 I look forward to hearing from you and meeting you on the course!


Registration Form

Testimonial -
I reached out to Tolu to help in developing my daughter's creative writing skills. Tolu was very professional and supportive. My daughter enjoys the classes and this has further increased her interest in writing. I would definitely recommend the club to others.

- Ogechi Okelu

Parent
Testimonial -

Tolu came highly recommended for her teaching style by a close friend. Signing up my daughter for the creative writing club four years ago has been a wise decision and investment. The classes creates an environment for the children to express themselves, be imaginative and creative. These classes with Tolu have really developed my daughter's writing ability and vocabulary, but most of all her confidence. I highly recommend Tolu expertise and cannot wait for her to bring out the best in my son as well.

- Christiana Ugowe

Parent