Check out some books by your tutor Fiona Veitch Smith … (click on the book covers to find out more)

fiona-veitch-smith-the-jazz-files fiona-veitch-smith-the-peace-garden fiona-veitch-smith-david-and-the-hairy-beast fiona-veitch-smith-david-and-the-giant

What level is the course pitched at?
Can you help me with my spelling and grammar?
How much does it cost?
You mean it’s free? What’s the catch?
Can you look at my work for free?
How do I sign up?
When does the course start?
Will I get a certificate at the end?
Will the course help me get published?
I’ve finished the course – what now?

What level is the course pitched at?

The course originated in an adult education programme, and covers the basics of what you would learn if you did creative writing at university level. Since putting it online I’ve had high school students, working people, retired folks, and a fair number of second language students. Beginner to intermediate writers will benefit the most, but whatever your level you’ll improve your writing by working through the sessions, and in particular doing the exercises.

You don’t have to take my word for it though – check out the comments from other users. The material is freely accessible so you can judge for yourself if you think it will help you.

Can you help me with my spelling and grammar?

I’m afraid not. There are plenty of online courses available to help you develop in that area – ask your favourite search engine.

How much does it cost?

The course material in its entirety is freely available on this website and doesn’t cost you a cent. I mention various textbooks throughout the course which you can read for greater depth in a particular area. There may be costs involved if you choose to purchase any of these, but again it’s entirely up to you. You could always try your local library as a first port of call.

You mean it’s free? What’s the catch?

There is no catch. The costs of running this website are covered by advertising and we receive a small commission if anyone purchases one of the recommended books.

Can you look at my work?

No. Feedback on exercises is not provided. If you want a course with feedback from a tutor, this is not the course for you. But please realise, you will not find a free course that provides that. However, if you want to submit work for critique outside of this course that is a separate service. See here for details.

How do I sign up?

There is no need to sign up. Simply work through the sessions and exercises in your own time, starting with releasing your creativity.

When does the course start?

Whenever you are ready! The material is available online; simply work through it at your own pace.

Will I get a certificate at the end?

This creative writing course is not officially accredited, and due to its open nature I do not give out certificates. Regulating it would force me to charge a set fee, thus making it inaccessible to many of the people it’s intended to help. Besides, the true benefit of the course is in improving your writing craft, not another piece of paper to hang on the wall.

Will the course help me get published?

Unfortunately I can offer no guarantees there. Excellent writing skills are only one piece of the puzzle when it comes to getting published; you also need drive, ambition, unshakeable self-belief, good contacts and a lot of luck. How to get published is one of the major themes of my blog, and you will find a lot of helpful advice there about the business and craft of writing.

I’ve finished the course – what now?

There is loads more information on all aspects of writing on The Crafty Writer blog. Why not check out my free non-fiction writing course? I also offer a full critiquing service for any other original work you’d like me to look at. However, you will need to pay for this.