This short online course in creative writing will help you get started with creative writing techniques, tips and tricks you need along the way to get a career going, build you understanding of different genres and literary devices and much more!

Many of us harbour a fantasy about being a creative writer, but what do we really mean by that? If we were to divide writing into two broad categories these would usually be fiction and non-fiction. Most people would consider creative writing to fall under the category of fiction, and indeed it usually does. In recent years however, a new genre of writing known as creative non-fiction has emerged in which the goal is to write a factual account which reads like fiction, but using literary techniques. Creative non-fiction might be regarded as a hybrid between fiction and non-fiction.

How does it work?

At the end of each lesson, you will be given a short interactive test to undertake, which will provide an indication of how your learning is progressing. Upon completing the very last lesson, you will be offered a more thorough automated test or examination. This final assessment can be undertaken at any time of day or night; and any day of the week; and if you achieve an overall pass (60% or more); you will be able to obtain a “certificate of completion” with your name and completion date on it.

LESSON 1 SCOPE AND NATURE OF CREATIVE WRITING

Definitions of creative writing
Plots in creative writing
To be or not to be – creative
Characteristics of a creative writer
Oral storytelling
Types of creative writing
The personality of the creative writer
Review what you have been learning

LESSON 2 METHODOLOGY AND TECHNIQUE – THE BRICKS & MORTAR OF WRITING

Methodology
Time management
Keeping notebooks
Using formulas
Writing the novel
Writing techniques
How to frame time
Constructing a timeline
Objectivity and subjectivity
Ordered versus disordered messages
Plotting a story
Conflict and obstacles
Point of view
Capturing attention
Developing your characters
The end of your story
Writing creative non-fiction articles
Writing dialogue
Script writing
Writing news scripts
Review what you have been learning

LESSON 3 GENRES

Children’s books
Fantasy writing
Crime fiction
Poetry
Science fiction
Romance and relationship writing
Commercial genres
Creative marketing
Non-fiction writing
Which genre?
Review what you have been learning

LESSON 4 CREATIVE NON-FICTION

Defining creative non-fiction
Literary journalism
Tips to write creative non-fiction
Examples of creative non-fiction
Picking your specialist areas
Review what you have been learning

LESSON 5 CREATIVE WRITING TECHNIQUES

Rhythm of the story (peaks and troughs)
Landmark events
Crisis – Conflict – Resolution
Exaggerating reality
Escapism
Paradox
Metaphors and similes
Imagery
Language
Review what you have been learning

LESSON 6 DEVELOPING YOUR SKILL, BUILDING YOUR CAREER

Choosing a genre or area of specialism
Research
Where do writers get inspiration?
Resources
Writer’s block
Writing & the law
Submitting work for publication
Self-publishing
Print versus electronic publishing
Distributing & selling your work
Grants for writing
Obtaining a contract
Continuity of contracts
Glossary – the meaning of words
Review what you have been learning
Final assessment for lesson

Note: these short courses are self-guided online courses and are not to be confused with our tutor-supported online courses.