Check out some books by your tutor Fiona Veitch Smith … (click on the book covers to find out more)
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. The exercises are designed to help you start writing and self-analyse your work. Feedback from a tutor will not be provided. However, you may ask questions along the way if there is something you don’t understand about how the course is put together. 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 you will receive free critiques of your writing. The critiquing service mentioned in the FAQ is separate to this course. I do not give feedback on the exercises. If you would like me to give my professional opinion on your creative writing beyond this course please contact me for a quote. 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 effect 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. If you click on the book cover it will take you to the book on Amazon. A very useful book on creative writing in general is The Creative Writing Coursebook. Please note however, this is not a ‘text book’ for this course – it’s just a book I have personally found useful. You do not need to get this book, or for that matter any book to do the course. But of course, it will help deepen your learning if you do.
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.
Welcome Anni and happy writing!
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!
This site helped me so much in my writing. Thank you!
Lori and Regina, you’re welcome! Happy writing to both of you. Fiona.
When is the first lesson of free creative writing class?
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.
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.
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.
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.
Glad you’re enjoying it Christina. Keep on writing!
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
Good luck with it Jack and I hope the course helps you achieve your goal.
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?
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
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
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
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.
Thank you Tracey, I appreciate that. Have a good writing day,
Fiona
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!
Great news, Jude!
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
Hi Maurine, hope you enjoy it – with or without critiques! Happy writing,
Fiona
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.
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.
i want to fallow cause.please send me any dietail.
It’s all here Asoka. Follow away!
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!