Creative Writing Course

Are you a beginner writer? Do you know you want to put pen to paper but not know where to start? This eight-session online creative writing course will give you an introduction to the basic elements of creative writing, from prose fiction to poetry. The course is entirely free and you can work through it at your own pace. You may also ask questions along the way if there is something you don’t understand. Post them in the comments box.  If you have any questions about how the course operates before contacting me please check out the FAQ list on the menu above which covers pretty much everything – and that includes how to get started and whether or not it’s really free!

Please note: This is a free course but that does not mean that I will provide you with free critiques of your writing. I understand that the majority of you would never dream of asking for free critiques, but unfortunately I still regularly get queries from people asking me to do so. If you would like me to give my professional opinion on your creative writing I will charge professional rates. There is a link to these rates on the FAQ page.

And now, back to the fun (and free!) stuff. The creative writing course will cover:

1. Releasing your Creativity
   Explore how to tap into your creativity, and whether you are naturally more inclined towards writing poetry or prose.
2. How to write a short story
   A look at how writing a short story differs from writing a novel, and some tips on short story structure.
3. Writing from a point of view (POV)
   How your choice of first, second or third person POV can have a dramatic affect on how readers engage with your story.
4. Bringing your writing to life
   How to activate your writing and transform it into a sensual experience.
5. Writing characters
   Writing complex, believable characters to inhabit your literary world.
6. Writing dialogue
   Your voice as an author, writing dialogue between characters, use of dialect, and some tips on the mechanics of laying out your text.
7. Poetry: how to write poems
   The basics of writing poetry – lyric versus narrative, structured versus free verse, rhythm and meter.
8. Markets, competitions and opportunities
   How to further develop your writing by joining a writer’s group and entering competitions, and some tips on getting published.

I’ll mention helpful books and other useful resources as we go, which you can buy or borrow from your library – how you get hold of them is up to you, but try to get a look at them. In particular, The Creative Writing Coursebook is as close to a setwork for this course as you’re going to get – this one’s worth having on your shelf.

Any questions? Then check out the Frequently Asked Questions page. Otherwise…

>> Click here to get started.

Happy writing!