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.
November 24th, 2011 at 8:17 am
Your site and your topics were most helpful. Thank you very much!
November 2nd, 2011 at 11:13 am
Congratulations!
November 2nd, 2011 at 10:48 am
Thanks for your help – I have just enrolled
the world needs more people like you!
November 2nd, 2011 at 8:01 am
Hi Peter, glad you’re enjoying the course. Re The Open University course, I’ve heard it’s excellent. I know a couple of people who have done it and some people who tutor on it. A few years ago I even considered applying to be a tutor on the creative writing component but had too much on. So yes, I would recommend you do it.
Good luck!
Fiona
November 2nd, 2011 at 3:53 am
Hi fiona, thank you so much for this free course! I was wondering – what are your opinions on the open universities english language and literature degree? I am seriously considering starting it next year (with a creative writing module as well). Thanks! All the best. Peter
September 12th, 2011 at 5:48 pm
Hello Donna, it has been ‘current’ since it first went up nearly five years ago. It has never been offline and has always been available for anyone who wants to do it. What has changed is that I am no longer giving feedback on the exercises. Maybe that is what you are referring to. That is still the case. So yes, the course is current (as you can see by the dozens of comments below from people who are doing it). Happy writing.
September 12th, 2011 at 5:37 pm
Fiona,
I would like to know if this is a current writing course. Last time I tried to take the course it was no longer being given because you were working on something else at the time. Thanks.
Donna
September 6th, 2011 at 10:40 am
You’re welcome Bill. The OU course is excellent, hope you enjoy it.
Fiona
September 6th, 2011 at 10:35 am
Fiona
I found your very helpful creative writing course some weeks ago and worked my way through it. I learned a great deal, so much so that I have now signed up to do a creative writing course with the Open University that starts 1st October.
As an existing student of the OU, this course will go toward the degree that I have been working toward for some time.
With best wishes and thanks for helping me start on what I hope will be a great experience.
Bill
June 10th, 2011 at 7:28 pm
you’re welcome Denise.