This one-week course is for writers with some experience of writing historical fiction who want to take it to the next level. Using a combination of writing prompts, discussion, texts and feedback, we will look at the different reasons each writer has for setting fiction in the past, before digging in to explore in detail what that means for our work on story structure, research, character and process. We will also explore parallel and dual narratives, the challenge when medium (words) is also message (historical voice), and ways of writing the past successfully for modern readers’ sensibilities and ethical concerns.

This course is part of the Oxford University Summer School for Adults (OUSSA) programme, which takes place in central Oxford. Tuition and meals are included in the course fee, and residential and non-residential options are available.

Participants are taught in small seminar groups of up to 12 students, and receive two one-on-one tutorials with their tutor.

SUNDAY

Seminar 1: Why do we set stories in the past? 

Seminar 2: Imagining the past

MONDAY

Seminar 3: Stories and structures 

Seminar 4: Historical characters in action

TUESDAY

Seminar 5: Researching the past 

Seminar 6: Working with researched material

WEDNESDAY

Seminar 7: Hearing the voices 

Seminar 8: Narrative voice and dialogue

THURSDAY

Seminar 9: Bringing it all together 

Seminar 10: Revising and editing

FRIDAY

Seminar 11: Writing others, writing ethically 

Seminar 12: Going outside and going public

PROGRAMME TIMETABLE

SATURDAY:

14.00–16.30 - Registration

16.30–17.00 - Orientation meeting

17.00–17.30 - Classroom orientation for tutor and students

17.30–18.00 - Drinks reception

18.00–20.00 - Welcome dinner

SUNDAY-FRIDAY:

09.00–10.30 - Seminar

10.30–11.00 - Tea/coffee break

11.00–12.30 - Seminar

12.30–13.30 - Lunch

13.30–18.00 - Afternoons are free for tutorials, individual study, course-related field trips or exploring the many places of interest in and around Oxford.

18.00–19.00 - Dinner (There is a formal gala dinner every Friday to close each week of the programme)

A range of optional social events will be offered throughout the summer school. These are likely to include: a quiz night, visit to historic pubs in Oxford, visit to Christ Church for Evensong and after-dinner talks and discussions.