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, based on writing workshops I give in the North East of England, 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. Also feel free to ask any questions along the way by posting in the comments box.
You can get feedback on any of the exercises for a nominal charge of £5 per exercise (payable via Paypal or debit/credit card). We also offer a reasonably priced critiquing service for your original work.
There’s no obligation to submit anything to us though; it’s entirely up to you!
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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 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 3:24 pm
Hello: I was just wondering if your courses could be done online.
Thank you
Charlie
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 6th, 2009 at 8:36 am
how am i supposed t join your course?