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.
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 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
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.
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
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.
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 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 5th, 2008 at 7:09 am
Miss
I am beginner writer. i want take participate in this course plz send me relevent study material.
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.
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