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 10th, 2011 at 6:45 pm
Used your idea of the Blue Ball as my very first attempt at writing. Loved where my imagination took me and am now writing short stories for my grandchildren (they are included in some of them).
Also writing my memoirs! Having so much fun. Thank you Fiona for your inspiration.
Kind regards Denise.
June 10th, 2011 at 4:31 pm
Hi,I am new to this website and would just like to take a minute to introduce myself.My name is Mandy,I am 34 years old and I live in Nottingham (UK) with my fiance Chris.I am a qualified nursey nurse;I got permanently signed off work in 2000 due to being diagnosed with several conditions which resulted in me having to register myself disabled.My love of reading and writing devloped during my English lessons at school and I enjoy reading a wide range of material from keeping up with the news and what is happening in the world around me to magazines and books,especially true crime and crime fiction.Most of my writing to date has been poetry and short stories,but my dream is to write a book and get it published so this course is going to be my first step on my journey to becoming a published writer.Whatever your dreams and ambitions both in your personal life and your journey as a writer I hope that you all achieve them.Good Luck to you all.Mandy.
April 5th, 2011 at 6:30 pm
No it’s not necessary. Some people just like to have something to page through. Everything you really need is online. Happy writing!
April 5th, 2011 at 6:15 pm
Is The Creative Writing Coursebook really necessary? I haven’t got the time to purchase one and life has been hectic as of late.
Cheers!
Respectfully yours,
Cadeleine James
February 24th, 2011 at 1:42 pm
Hello Nicole. There are thousands of agents and publishers listed on the internet. However, some of them may not be reputable. Make sure the agents are members of some kind of professional body such as The Association of Authors’ Representatives. Also do a general search – if authors have been burnt by an unreputable agent they will write about it! For publishers, there are also professional associations. Alternatively if they are listed on the Writers’ and Authors’ Yearbook or Writers’ Market websites they should be ok. As a rule of thumb: if an agent asks for a reading fee they are not above board. If a publisher asks you do buy a number of copies in advance or contribute to the cost of publishing their reputation is questionable.
February 24th, 2011 at 1:41 pm
Hello Nicole. There are thousands of agents and publishers listed on the internet. However, some of them may not be reputable. Make sure the agents are members of some kind of professional body such as The Association of Authors’ Representatives. Also do a general search – if authors have been burnt by an unreputable agent they will write about it! For publishers, there are also professional associations. Alternatively if they are listed on the Writers’ and Authors’ Yearbook or Writers’ Market websites they should be ok. As a rule of thumb: if an agent asks for a reading fee they are not above board. If a publisher asks you do buy a number of copies in advance or contribute to the cost of publishing their reputation is questionable.
February 23rd, 2011 at 10:54 pm
Hi, I have a few novels that i want to send to get published but i’m not sure how to do that..i have been researching it and it says to find an agent and publisher. How do i find a GOOD agent and pulisher? thank you soo much!
February 5th, 2011 at 7:35 am
I am Asror young writer. I want to practice for my career.
February 2nd, 2011 at 9:34 am
Hi Jessie, I would not advise sending your work off to publishers too soon. It can be very disappointing when you are rejected and you could give up writing. I suggest that you join a group for young writers. Here is an online one http://www.youngwritersonline.net/ They will be able to give you lots of advice and encouragement. If you want to be a writer I suggest you study creative writing and English literature at university. Or you could study journalism.
Good luck with the novel!
Fiona
February 1st, 2011 at 10:10 pm
If I wanted to send my work off to a publisher where would I begin and how would I be able to make sure that I am in contact with the right people that would be bothered about my work? I am only 14 and so far my novel is about 62 pages long, I think that your website has told me how I can help improve and finish my novel! I know I need to improve my novel but I wasn’t sure how untill I found this website so thank you so much x And could you suggest any career options that I would be able to take in the future? If you could reply I would be deeply grateful x