Writing Fiction Essentials: Character, Description and Dialogue



Overview

Designed to deepen your understanding of the key components of creative writing, the weekend will boost your confidence in your ability to create the stories you want to tell and know how to tell them. 

We will look in detail at the four pillars on which all great stories rely: character, dialogue, description and narrative structure. There will be ample opportunities throughout the weekend for you to experiment with a range of specific writing tools and techniques. 

You will be encouraged to think in new and dynamic ways about these fiction essentials and the craft of storytelling they serve. Expect to leave with a spring in your creative step and equipped with an array of practical tips and ideas to inspire and hone your own writing. 

Please note:

  • This event will close to enrolments at 23:59 BST on 20 May 2026. 

  • Due to the nature of the contents of this day, this is not suitable for people under 18 years old.

Programme details

Saturday 23 May

9.45am
Registration at Rewley House Reception 

10am       
Character in Place: How to start your story 

11.15am
Tea/coffee break 

11.45am
Character and Journey: How to develop narrative drive 

1pm       
Lunch break 

2pm     
Character, Plot and Conflict: How to create dramatic tension 

3.15pm
Tea/coffee break 

3.45pm
Friends and Foes and Others: How to develop secondary characters 

5pm
End of day 

7pm    
Dinner (optional) 

Sunday 24 May

8am
Breakfast (for those staying at Rewley House) 

10am
The World of Your Story: How to develop scene-setting, description and metaphor 

11.15am
Tea and coffee break 

11.45am
Conversation, Conflict and What Goes Unsaid: How to develop character-led dialogue 

1pm
Lunch break 

2pm
Tell Your Story: How to develop your own narrative voice and style 

3.15pm
Tea and coffee break 

3.45pm
Shape Your Story: How to develop narrative point of view and how to edit  

5pm
End of weekend 

Fees

Description Costs
Event Fee (includes tea/coffee) £250.00
Saturday baguette lunch £7.50
Saturday dinner £31.50
Saturday hot lunch £21.25
Single B&B (Saturday night) £121.50
Sunday baguette lunch £7.50
Sunday hot lunch £21.25

Funding

If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit or are a full-time student in the UK you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees.

Concessionary fees for short courses

Tutor

Ms Elizabeth Garner

Tutor

Elizabeth Garner is a novelist and editor with 25 years of experience of story-development in both film and publishing. She was written two novels: Nightdancing, which received the Betty Trask Award; and The Ingenious Edgar Jones, which was published to critical acclaim in the UK and USA. She has also published a collection of illustrated folk tales: Lost & Found. She is a freelance fiction editor and also teaches creative writing for OUDCE.

Application

Please use the 'Book' button on this page. Alternatively, please contact us to obtain an application form.

Accommodation

Accommodation for Saturday night can be booked directly online, subject to availability, when you register your place. This includes a buffet breakfast on the Sunday morning.

Our accommodation in Wellington Square has been rated as 4-Star Campus Accommodation under Visit England. All bedrooms are modern, comfortably furnished with tea/coffee making facilities, Freeview television, private bath/shower rooms and free WiFi. For more details see our accommodation information.

If you wish to extend your stay with us, either before and/or after the event, please contact our Residential Centre for availability and discounted rates.

Call +44 (0) 1865 270362 or email res-ctr@conted.ox.ac.uk

Terms & conditions for applicants and students

Information on financial support