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 17th, 2010 at 4:15 pm
Great news, Jude!
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!
May 12th, 2010 at 9:25 am
Thank you Tracey, I appreciate that. Have a good writing day,
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 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 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
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
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?
September 18th, 2009 at 9:06 am
Good luck with it Jack and I hope the course helps you achieve your goal.
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