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.
January 22nd, 2011 at 4:41 pm
Looks quite interesting…
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
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 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 4th, 2010 at 9:52 am
It’s all here Asoka. Follow away!
October 4th, 2010 at 7:33 am
i want to fallow cause.please send me any dietail.
September 15th, 2010 at 12:57 pm
Hi Maurine, hope you enjoy it – with or without critiques! Happy writing,
Fiona
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 12:23 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.
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