Creative Writing Basics - Short Course

Sneak Peek

Self paced 20-hour course to learn the basics of creative writing.

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 which utilises literary techniques. Creative non-fiction might be regarded as a hybrid between fiction and non-fiction.

Our 20 hour courses are self paced and will help you understand a topic in a short amount of time. You can work through the course when you like- test yourself with mini-tests along the way. There are extra case studies or research you can undertake if you would really like to get into the topic. Once you have completed the lessons and self assessment tasks, there is a final exam undertaken online- you can then download your personalised certificate. 

Course Contents - What do you learn?

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

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
  

• Children’s books
• Fantasy writing
• Crime fiction
• Poetry
• Science fiction
• Romance and relationship writing
• Commercial genres
• Creative marketing
• Non-fiction writing
• Which genre?

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

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

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
  

How does this course work?

You can enrol at any time.

Once you have paid for the course, you will be able to start straight away.

Study when and where you like. Work through at your own pace.

You can download your study-guide to your smart phone, tablet or laptop to read offline.

There are automated self-assessment tests you can complete at the end of each lesson. You can attempt these as many times as you wish and each time, upon completion, you can see your results. You will need internet access to complete the self assessment tests.

At the end of the course, you are presented with a large assessment which can be attempted online, anywhere, anytime. If you achieve a 60% pass in the exam; you immediately receive a downloadable certificate of completion with your name on it. If you do not achieve a 60% pass rate, you can contact us to re-sit your exam.  

Contact us at anytime if you have any issues with the course: [email protected]

Who is this course for?

• those interested in improving their writing skills;
• school teachers;
• academic students;
• kindergarten and pre-school teachers;
• parents;
• artists,
• story tellers;
• other professionals interested in creative writing.

Example pages from the Study Guide