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:
- Releasing your Creativity
Explore how to tap into your creativity, and whether you are naturally more inclined towards writing poetry or prose. - 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. - 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. - Bringing your writing to life
How to activate your writing and transform it into a sensual experience. - Writing characters
Writing complex, believable characters to inhabit your literary world. - 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. - Poetry: how to write poems
The basics of writing poetry – lyric versus narrative, structured versus free verse, rhythm and meter. - 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!
Welcome to The Crafty Writer's free online creative writing course, presented by Fiona Veitch Smith, a freelance journalist, editor, author, playwright, screenwriter and writing teacher. I hope that you'll see a dramatic improvement in the quality of your writing as you work through this course.
October 8th, 2007 at 10:01 am
Hi Fi,
Sorry I missed last week. Feeling a lot better now. I wrote a short story. Do you want me to send it to you, or just bring it in on Wednesday?
Take Care love
Tammy
xxxx
November 1st, 2007 at 3:04 pm
Your professional critique is badly needed. If you have time, it might interest you to go through some of the fiction stuff I have posted up on my fiction blog at http://siquijoriantales.blogspot.com. Comments coming from a published writer like you is definitely an honor. Thanks, thanks, thanks.
April 5th, 2008 at 7:09 am
Miss
I am beginner writer. i want take participate in this course plz send me relevent study material.
April 5th, 2008 at 10:12 am
Hello Attia. This is the course. Just work through the material online in your own time. Click on each number 1 – 8 and you will get the next session. If you’ve got any questions or comments just leave them at the bottom of each session like you’ve done here. Good luck with it and happy writing.
April 25th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
I am a teacher from Pakistan and am very grateful to people like you who offer help to people like me who have a thirst for knowledge but cannot physically or financially be part of your learning program.Please tell me how i can be part of your brilliant program
Yours Thankfully
Nazneen
April 26th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Hello Nazneen, everything you need is already on the site. Just work through the eight sessions (links above) in your own time. If you have any problems, just contact me. I hope you enjoy the course.
May 12th, 2008 at 8:36 am
i want study the technical writing what are the advanages and how to study the technical writing course, pleasesend the informain as early as possible
May 12th, 2008 at 10:27 am
Hi Parameswara. I don’t offer a technical writing course, just a creative writing course and a non-fiction writing course. Perhaps by technical you mean non-fiction – ie factual. Which ever one you want to study, just click on the green or blue block on the home-page and it will take you to the course. All you have to do is click on each session listed 1 – 8 and it will take you to the course material. Just work through it at your own pace.
June 9th, 2008 at 6:12 pm
I would like to join the free eight week course in Creative Writing.
I understand that it is an on line course, please correct me if I’m wrong
June 9th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
I’m not an experienced write but I do have an honours degree in Economic History with English to pass degree level.I also have many years ago experience of teaching language and literature.
June 10th, 2008 at 4:10 pm
I started your course yesterday and want to continue from where I stopped which was excercise 3
June 15th, 2008 at 8:15 pm
This is the first time that I have studied on line and I am just getting used to handling the online creative writing course.I have reached excercise 3.
June 15th, 2008 at 8:17 pm
I woulg like to study excercise 3
June 16th, 2008 at 8:12 am
Hi Jean, I don’t know what else I can tell you other than what I already have. You are already on the right page so you obviously know how to get there. Take your mouse and move your cursor over the list of sessions 1 – 8. Each session is hyperlinked which means that when you click on it it will take you to the next session. When you’ve finished that, go back to this introduction page and click on the next session. If you’re still struggling, perhaps you can find someone who knows a bit more about computers to help you navigate. Good luck.
June 19th, 2008 at 8:27 pm
Thank-you for your help. I have completed excercise 3 and am now ready to proceed to excercise 4
June 21st, 2008 at 4:38 pm
I found excercise 3 stimulating as the encouragement to express myself on someone else’s terms created by my own work made me more disciplined in creative application.I am looking forward to completing excercise 4 when I find it and if it’s available.
June 21st, 2008 at 5:54 pm
Hi Jean, glad you enjoyed session 3. Session 4 is constantly available – the whole course is. Follow the instructions I’ve given you before and you should get to it. Good luck and happy wriing.
June 30th, 2008 at 5:34 pm
When will the next classes take place. If I have not already missed them.
Sincerely,
Tracie Wallace
June 30th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
Hi Tracie. The course is now constantly online. Just click on the first session and get startted. Good luck and happy writing.
July 1st, 2008 at 10:55 pm
please i wish to apply for the free on line course.am interested
July 1st, 2008 at 10:59 pm
please isnt there any forms i could fill? how do i know that i have been admitted
July 2nd, 2008 at 8:10 am
Hi Essenanwan. There are no forms and no application process. The course is already ‘live’ online. Just take your mouse and click on the link to the first session in the list above and you can get started. Work through it in your own time. Happy writing!
July 23rd, 2008 at 4:01 am
Would like to join this course. How do i go about doing this?
July 23rd, 2008 at 9:17 am
Hi Jenny. You just click on the first session – in the list above – and work you way through it. Feel free to leave comments or ask questions along the way. This was a ‘real time’ course in , but now that it’s finished it’s free for anyone who wants to do it. To get to the next session there should be links at the end of each session, if not, just come back to this page. Happy writing.
September 4th, 2008 at 10:48 pm
Hello there, I am interested in taking your Creative Writing course. Please let me know how I would go about signing up. Thank you.
November 13th, 2008 at 11:24 pm
Dear Fiona,
Just wanted to take a moment to Thank You for your writing course. I’ve been searching for weeks for all the info I possibly could get a hold of. The entire page is so full of info. Finally I can stop spending hours searching and start learning. I just finished lesson one and about to do exercise 3.I felt after hours, of being chained to my computer and getting no where, I was losing any ability I might have ( piting my self). I have a lot to learn and have learned so much in just one lesson, and appreciate your site. Thanks again for taking the time to set it up and leaving it for people like me who are so hungry to become writers. I can’t wait to move on to lesson 2.
Sincerly
B.Spiegelhoff
November 18th, 2008 at 11:25 am
Thank you Brenda, you’ve really made my day. How very kind of you. Good luck with the rest of the course and happy writing.
Fiona
February 6th, 2009 at 1:36 am
Hi, I am interested in taking your course. I have taken Creative Writing before at my school, but couldn’t because of my course load this semester.
February 6th, 2009 at 9:08 am
Welcome to the Crafty Writer Kelly and thanks for introducing yourself. Just work your way through the course and shout if you have any queries or comments. There’s someone called Jamie doing the course at the moment too, so hi if you ’see’ him / her (not sure of the gender Jamie, sorry.
February 6th, 2009 at 11:37 pm
Hi Fiona,
I’d just begun the first session and decided to go back and read some of the comments left on this site. I don’t know where you get the patience to respond to the same question over and over again, but you do a fabulous job of it! I’m hoping to use your course in expanding my own skills in marketing. I am a single parent of 4 so both the time and finances to attend traditional classes is not an option. To that end, I really want to express my thanks to you for making this online course available. Regardless of wether I can apply what I learn in my career or not I’m sure to have a lot of fun along the way! Thank you again.
March 6th, 2009 at 8:36 am
how am i supposed t join your course?
March 6th, 2009 at 2:16 pm
Hi Rahul,
Just work through the sessions listed at the top of this page at your own leisure. There is no enrolment form to fill in. If you would like feedback on any of the exercises, please contact me. I charge ?5 per excercise payable by paypal. But you don’t have to get the feedback and can just work through the course on your own for free
Happy writing,
Fiona
March 17th, 2009 at 3:24 pm
Hello: I was just wondering if your courses could be done online.
Thank you
Charlie
March 17th, 2009 at 4:11 pm
Hi Charlie. This course and the non-fiction course are free online. Just work through the material in your own time. If you have any questions, just ask.
March 17th, 2009 at 8:04 pm
What a wonderful idea and what an incredibly generous person you are for providing this service to budding authors.
Thank you.
March 17th, 2009 at 8:12 pm
What a lovely thing to say Steve, thank you! Now, if only I can figure out how to make this free service tax deductable … do aspirant authors qualify for charity status?
Hope you enjoy the course Steve.
March 18th, 2009 at 5:56 pm
Hi
I;d like to start the creative writing course. i currently live overseas. Can u please tell me what i need to do?
Thanx
March 18th, 2009 at 6:05 pm
Hi Reza. We have people from all over the world doing this course. There’s no need to enrol, just click on the first session and work your way through it in your own time. Shout if you have any questions. Happy writing, Fiona.
March 20th, 2009 at 8:05 pm
i love to be part of course.i believe enroll to the program is sharpen my sense of imagination and thinking faculty.
April 1st, 2009 at 11:02 pm
Good morning,
I am about to commence with the creative writing course. Just thought i would introduce myself and send a warm hello from Australia.
April 4th, 2009 at 7:51 am
Welcome Anni and happy writing!
May 9th, 2009 at 5:47 pm
Hi, I just want to say thank you for offering this. I haven’t started it yet, but from what I’ve read, I think it may be just what I’m looking for. I am currently a freelance writer and have been published extensively on the web and in a couple of print magazines and newspapers, but I’m really itching to write a novel. I need to learn how to write fiction a lot better! Thank you so much, and I can hardly wait to start!
May 10th, 2009 at 5:25 am
This site helped me so much in my writing. Thank you!
May 11th, 2009 at 10:18 am
Lori and Regina, you’re welcome! Happy writing to both of you. Fiona.
May 23rd, 2009 at 8:57 am
When is the first lesson of free creative writing class?
May 26th, 2009 at 9:44 am
Hi Romina. If you read through the comments before yours you’ll see that this course is ongoing. Just click on the first session and get started. Happy writing.
June 15th, 2009 at 9:54 pm
Hi, I have always loved writing, and now that I am in school for film production, screenwriting is much needed. I am so glad that this course exist.
June 16th, 2009 at 8:24 am
Now that I’m making inroads into screenwriting myself, I’ve found that the creative writing techniques of prose in general have served me well in the transition. I would advise all screenwriters to do a general creative writing course in order to develop their storytelling and characterisation techniques.
June 17th, 2009 at 9:57 am
Hi Fiona,
I have just found your website and I have gone through the first 3 exercises. I really enjoyed doing this. Thank you so much for putting this course up.
In the third exercise I found the poem easy to write and had it completed in a very short time. I don’t know if it is a good poem though. I took longer on the prose but I think it portrays my creative thought much better than the poem does. I wrote 282 words and the story could be longer.
June 17th, 2009 at 10:01 am
Glad you’re enjoying it Christina. Keep on writing!
September 17th, 2009 at 7:49 pm
i am a unpublished freelance writer who attended famous writers shool long ago.i would and will
continue my pursuit,i did obtain a b+ for the course at famous writrs school.
that lesson was ended with a 250 short story,i now will attempt to create the expanded
10.000 word novell.
john e dennison
September 18th, 2009 at 9:06 am
Good luck with it Jack and I hope the course helps you achieve your goal.
January 21st, 2010 at 9:44 pm
I am 53 years of age and am a carer for a disabled person I am looking for a complete career change if you can call it that! I have tried my hand a few years ago at poetry and was fortunate enough to get a poem published albeit in America!!!! I am wanting to re-ignite the poetry but also expand into creative writing and would value your advice on whether your course will assist me in this goal?
January 22nd, 2010 at 9:34 am
Hi Paul,
Well it will certainly be a good start. It introduces you to the basics of creative writing. It deals more with prose than poetry, but does touch on the latter. Why not work through it then move on to something else – there are further suggestions at the end of the course.
Happy writing
Fiona
May 10th, 2010 at 8:04 pm
Hi Fiona,
Your course seems to intrest me, I am a 17 year old, studying A level english before university. I am good at creative writing overall but would love to step up my game before shifting into university (attempting creative writing there), do you believe your course can aid me? If not, what can help me improve?
Kind Regards
Stefan
May 11th, 2010 at 9:06 am
Hello Stefan. Yes I do believe the course can help you. I have had a number of high school students doing it – mainly home school kids. Also, the content covers the basics of what you would learn if you did creative writing at university level. I have a MA in creative writing and am currently working on my PhD. I also lecture at uni. So go ahead, what have you got to lose? And it can be completely free if you don’t want feedback. The exercises are designed to help you analyse your own strengths and weaknesses.
Good luck!
Fiona
May 11th, 2010 at 6:56 pm
I think your website is a great idea. To offer courses in creative writing that are not only knowledgeable but affordable is a great resource. I will be referring people who are looking for online writing courses to your website.
May 12th, 2010 at 9:25 am
Thank you Tracey, I appreciate that. Have a good writing day,
Fiona
June 17th, 2010 at 10:14 am
The first three lessons have revitalized me as a writer. I decided to start a course to help me get in my discipline as a writer. I had been stuck, not finishing a short story and I lacked motivaton. Now, in a couple of hours, I have written a poem and short story that I feel good about. The information on this course and the exercises have been a huge help and I am excited about doing more! What a fantastic service!
June 17th, 2010 at 4:15 pm
Great news, Jude!
August 18th, 2010 at 7:00 pm
Hey There Fiona,
I work for the American Red Cross in Merrillville, Indiana, U.S.A. as an accounting clerk. A co-worker recommended I look on-line for a free writing course. After taking her advice your site caught my attention. So far so good. When funds are available I will request your critiquing expertise.
Sincerely,
Maurine
September 15th, 2010 at 12:23 pm
I am doing online job where I have write contest. But in my contest most of the problem seen that’s make in tense. I tried how much I can to give better output in my work but I could not. I need effective course that make change in my writing skill.
September 15th, 2010 at 12:55 pm
Hi Laxman, this is a creative writing course which probably won’t help you. What you need is a basic English language course or a business writing course. I’m sure you’ll find both easily through Google. Good luck.
September 15th, 2010 at 12:57 pm
Hi Maurine, hope you enjoy it – with or without critiques! Happy writing,
Fiona
October 4th, 2010 at 7:33 am
i want to fallow cause.please send me any dietail.
October 4th, 2010 at 9:52 am
It’s all here Asoka. Follow away!
October 25th, 2010 at 12:05 am
Thank you for providing such a kind and illuminating course!
I looked at the book recommended and found it OK.
Immediate Fiction – A Complete Writing Course was very helpful to me and others may also find it useful.
You can peruse it on Amazon here: http://www.amazon.com/Immediate-Fiction-Complete-Writing-Course/dp/0312302762/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1287960306&sr=1-1
Actually, you may prefer the Amazon UK site: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Immediate-Fiction-Complete-Writing-Course/dp/0312302762/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1287960306&sr=1-1
Thank you again for your excellent writing course!
October 27th, 2010 at 7:09 pm
Brilliant this free course is BRILLIANT!
Thank you for sharing this for free.
Would be nice if we could get some critical feedback
on exercises. But all in all thank you for this blog
and the work you put into it. Much appreciated.
Lee Jordaan South Africa JHB
October 28th, 2010 at 11:10 am
Hi Lee, I used to charge £5 an exercise for critical feedback but I’ve had to put that on hold due to an overloaded work schedule. If things ease up in a few months I might bring it back in again. In the meantime, enjoy the course! The exercises were originally designed to help writers self-evauluate.
All the best
Fiona
January 22nd, 2011 at 4:41 pm
Looks quite interesting…
February 1st, 2011 at 10:10 pm
If I wanted to send my work off to a publisher where would I begin and how would I be able to make sure that I am in contact with the right people that would be bothered about my work? I am only 14 and so far my novel is about 62 pages long, I think that your website has told me how I can help improve and finish my novel! I know I need to improve my novel but I wasn’t sure how untill I found this website so thank you so much x And could you suggest any career options that I would be able to take in the future? If you could reply I would be deeply grateful x
February 2nd, 2011 at 9:34 am
Hi Jessie, I would not advise sending your work off to publishers too soon. It can be very disappointing when you are rejected and you could give up writing. I suggest that you join a group for young writers. Here is an online one http://www.youngwritersonline.net/ They will be able to give you lots of advice and encouragement. If you want to be a writer I suggest you study creative writing and English literature at university. Or you could study journalism.
Good luck with the novel!
Fiona
February 5th, 2011 at 7:35 am
I am Asror young writer. I want to practice for my career.
February 23rd, 2011 at 10:54 pm
Hi, I have a few novels that i want to send to get published but i’m not sure how to do that..i have been researching it and it says to find an agent and publisher. How do i find a GOOD agent and pulisher? thank you soo much!
February 24th, 2011 at 1:41 pm
Hello Nicole. There are thousands of agents and publishers listed on the internet. However, some of them may not be reputable. Make sure the agents are members of some kind of professional body such as The Association of Authors’ Representatives. Also do a general search – if authors have been burnt by an unreputable agent they will write about it! For publishers, there are also professional associations. Alternatively if they are listed on the Writers’ and Authors’ Yearbook or Writers’ Market websites they should be ok. As a rule of thumb: if an agent asks for a reading fee they are not above board. If a publisher asks you do buy a number of copies in advance or contribute to the cost of publishing their reputation is questionable.
February 24th, 2011 at 1:42 pm
Hello Nicole. There are thousands of agents and publishers listed on the internet. However, some of them may not be reputable. Make sure the agents are members of some kind of professional body such as The Association of Authors’ Representatives. Also do a general search – if authors have been burnt by an unreputable agent they will write about it! For publishers, there are also professional associations. Alternatively if they are listed on the Writers’ and Authors’ Yearbook or Writers’ Market websites they should be ok. As a rule of thumb: if an agent asks for a reading fee they are not above board. If a publisher asks you do buy a number of copies in advance or contribute to the cost of publishing their reputation is questionable.
April 5th, 2011 at 6:15 pm
Is The Creative Writing Coursebook really necessary? I haven’t got the time to purchase one and life has been hectic as of late.
Cheers!
Respectfully yours,
Cadeleine James
April 5th, 2011 at 6:30 pm
No it’s not necessary. Some people just like to have something to page through. Everything you really need is online. Happy writing!
June 10th, 2011 at 4:31 pm
Hi,I am new to this website and would just like to take a minute to introduce myself.My name is Mandy,I am 34 years old and I live in Nottingham (UK) with my fiance Chris.I am a qualified nursey nurse;I got permanently signed off work in 2000 due to being diagnosed with several conditions which resulted in me having to register myself disabled.My love of reading and writing devloped during my English lessons at school and I enjoy reading a wide range of material from keeping up with the news and what is happening in the world around me to magazines and books,especially true crime and crime fiction.Most of my writing to date has been poetry and short stories,but my dream is to write a book and get it published so this course is going to be my first step on my journey to becoming a published writer.Whatever your dreams and ambitions both in your personal life and your journey as a writer I hope that you all achieve them.Good Luck to you all.Mandy.
June 10th, 2011 at 6:45 pm
Used your idea of the Blue Ball as my very first attempt at writing. Loved where my imagination took me and am now writing short stories for my grandchildren (they are included in some of them).
Also writing my memoirs! Having so much fun. Thank you Fiona for your inspiration.
Kind regards Denise.
June 10th, 2011 at 7:28 pm
you’re welcome Denise.
September 6th, 2011 at 10:35 am
Fiona
I found your very helpful creative writing course some weeks ago and worked my way through it. I learned a great deal, so much so that I have now signed up to do a creative writing course with the Open University that starts 1st October.
As an existing student of the OU, this course will go toward the degree that I have been working toward for some time.
With best wishes and thanks for helping me start on what I hope will be a great experience.
Bill
September 6th, 2011 at 10:40 am
You’re welcome Bill. The OU course is excellent, hope you enjoy it.
Fiona
September 12th, 2011 at 5:37 pm
Fiona,
I would like to know if this is a current writing course. Last time I tried to take the course it was no longer being given because you were working on something else at the time. Thanks.
Donna
September 12th, 2011 at 5:48 pm
Hello Donna, it has been ‘current’ since it first went up nearly five years ago. It has never been offline and has always been available for anyone who wants to do it. What has changed is that I am no longer giving feedback on the exercises. Maybe that is what you are referring to. That is still the case. So yes, the course is current (as you can see by the dozens of comments below from people who are doing it). Happy writing.
November 2nd, 2011 at 3:53 am
Hi fiona, thank you so much for this free course! I was wondering – what are your opinions on the open universities english language and literature degree? I am seriously considering starting it next year (with a creative writing module as well). Thanks! All the best. Peter
November 2nd, 2011 at 8:01 am
Hi Peter, glad you’re enjoying the course. Re The Open University course, I’ve heard it’s excellent. I know a couple of people who have done it and some people who tutor on it. A few years ago I even considered applying to be a tutor on the creative writing component but had too much on. So yes, I would recommend you do it.
Good luck!
Fiona
November 2nd, 2011 at 10:48 am
Thanks for your help – I have just enrolled
the world needs more people like you!
November 2nd, 2011 at 11:13 am
Congratulations!
November 24th, 2011 at 8:17 am
Your site and your topics were most helpful. Thank you very much!
January 3rd, 2012 at 1:11 pm
Hi! I am a very very much beginner. I haven’t written a thing since collage papers. I am willing to give it a go. I love reading and maybe I can write something.
January 3rd, 2012 at 1:54 pm
Hi Thomas, welcome to the course. I’m sure you’ll be surprised at what you can produce. Happy writing.
January 3rd, 2012 at 1:55 pm
You’re welcome, Mych.
January 3rd, 2012 at 2:49 pm
hi i am interesting in your program and i will know more.
January 3rd, 2012 at 3:02 pm
Hello Gerald. All the info is on site. Just read the first page and click where it says click.
January 3rd, 2012 at 4:31 pm
Thank you Fiona.
January 3rd, 2012 at 5:53 pm
Hello,
I am much like Thomas, in that I haven’t written anything since college. However, I am interested in writing children’s books. It looks like this online course will help get the creative juices flowing with guidance. Is this course a “move at your own pace” situation or are we all moving together to the first step? Looking forward to learning, thank you in advance for sharing.
Cristina
January 3rd, 2012 at 5:56 pm
Sorry, before posting my previous question I should have reread the first paragraph. Looking forward anyway. Ha. Thanks
January 3rd, 2012 at 6:58 pm
Hi Cristina. Good to have you on board. If you’re interested in children’s books you might like to take a look at some of my blog posts and advice on writing children’s books over at The Crafty Writer blog. http://www.thecraftywriter.com/2011/11/29/how-to-choose-a-childrens-book-for-christmas/
January 21st, 2012 at 4:01 pm
hi i want to write for magazines..would you be able to help me?
January 21st, 2012 at 5:16 pm
Hello Pinkey. You’re on the wrong course. The non-fiction writing course covers writing for magazines http://non-fiction-writing-course.thecraftywriter.com/
January 22nd, 2012 at 9:40 pm
Thank you for wonderful simplified way writing first websie I’ve come to where there’s actual free makes sense writing without having to buy buy first.