Nikki Sheehan is an author, journalist, mentor and teacher. She has published three novels for young adults, short stories, one biography and two picture books. Her first adult novel is forthcoming. She has also written poetry, advertising copy, subtitles and a TV comedy script. Nikki has been shortlisted for, and won many awards, including being twice nominated for the Carnegie medal.
Nikki loves nurturing creativity as a mentor and course leader, and has been instrumental in several writing careers. She believes that there are fundamental misunderstandings about creativity that stop many people from pursuing their creative goals. As well as sharing the tools of the craft, a sensitivity to the psychology at play in the writer’s mind underpins her teaching, and Nikki is proud to have enabled many writers to find enjoyment, satisfaction and success whether their goal is a flash fiction poem, a novel or a movie script.

Start Date: 15th October, 2024

Duration: 6 Weeks

Fee: €170

3 places remaining

Course Outline

Module One – Character.
Meet your main character(s). Work with them, analyse and interrogate them, and follow where they lead you as you write their story.

Module Two – Structure.
Learn how to use ancient knowledge about story structure to plot like a pro and create a compelling tale.

Module Three – Setting.
Find out how developing and deepening a sense of space and time in a story can bring reality to your characters and elevate your work.

Module Four – Dialogue.
Let your characters speak for themselves. Practice effectively using point of view and dialogue to expose the inner lives of your cast.

Module Five – Writer’s block.
Learn why we sometimes want to give up. Try out practical techniques to overcome dips and push on to achieve our writing goals.

Module Six – Happy endings.
Understand how to give your story a satisfying conclusion, and where to go next. A guide to completing and submitting your work for publication.