Writing
Creative Writing – An Introduction
Looking to hone your skills as a writer? Creative Writing – An Introduction will address problem areas many writers encounter such as point of view, voice, characterization, conflict, and exposition vs. dialogue. Through a combination of lectures and short writing assignments, this course will help you become a better writer. Whether you are interested in fiction or nonfiction, join us and receive invaluable feedback on your work from the instructor, an award-winning writer, and editor.
Write Now!
Refine your writing skills with Write Now! This course covers essential elements of professional writing through lectures, exercises, and personalized feedback. Enhance your creative writing abilities with topics like outlining, point of view, voice, conflict building, structure, grammar, punctuation, and editing. Get expert guidance from our award-winning instructor to kickstart your journey towards becoming a better author. Write Now! is designed as a standalone course, but complements Creative Writing – An Introduction.
Plot and Story Structure
Plot and story structure are two areas where many writers struggle. We often know the beginning and end of a story, but weaving a compelling tale from start to finish can be a major challenge. This course will help you learn how to train the left and right sides of your brain to work together. By answering a list of questions and using creative templates, writers can master the art of plot and story structure in a way that will allow their creativity to fill in the blanks—both in the mind and on the page.
Dynamics of Dialogue
In impactful, memorable fiction, dialogue transcends mere words; it’s about the nuances and what remains unsaid. Great dialogue doesn’t just mirror reality; it elevates it. Led by an award-winning writer and editor, this course explores the intricate structure of dialogue. Uncover the secrets to crafting dialogue that vividly animates your characters. Learn to infuse your characters’ words with lasting resonance, captivating readers long after they’ve turned the page.
Secrets to Successful Self-Editing
In today’s literary world, agents, publishers, and contest committees demand near-perfection in submissions. This burdens aspiring authors to either meticulously edit their work or invest significant funds in hiring a freelance editor. This course, led by a seasoned editor, aims to equip you with the skills to detect and rectify common mistakes found in both fiction and nonfiction writing. Plus, you’ll gain practical experience in identifying and overcoming your weaknesses as a writer.
The Art of Effective Storytelling
There are many plot elements and character archetypes that storytellers have used throughout the ages to engage and enthrall their audiences. The problem is you may not realize some of them even exist. We will identify the stages and steps of successful storytelling, as well as define the major character archetypes that can greatly enrich your stories. Valuable exercises will aid you in learning how to apply these principles to formulate masterful stories.
Writer’s Circle
The best advice new writers often receive from professionals is to join a workshop to get feedback on their writing. This course, led by an award-winning writer and writing coach, allows you that opportunity. Each participant will submit weekly pages via e-mail. All writers will be responsible for reading others’ work and providing their own critique notes. At each meeting, participants will engage in a supportive critical discussion of that week’s submissions. This offers each writer feedback from the instructor and fellow authors, as well as the invaluable experience of honing each writer’s own editing skills.
Creating 3-Dimensional Characters in Fiction
Do your characters pop off the page and truly engage your readers? The ability to create believable and compelling characters is often one of the most difficult tasks writers must master. Using valuable handouts, worksheets, and both in-class and homework assignments, writers will learn techniques to use in developing dynamic, three-dimensional characters. We will build characters from the ground up and discuss ways to give them distinctive voices and unique personalities. Why settle for drab when you can make characters dramatic?
Travel Writing
Learn how to develop the skills of a travel writer by learning how to translate what is seen, heard, tasted, touched, smelled, and felt (intuitively and physically) into publishable articles and books. You will understand the writing styles and methods needed to sell material in today's competitive market. Pack your sense of adventure, organize your determination, and put your keyboard in a comfortable position. If you have a desire to write and yearn to travel, you are a perfect candidate to become a travel writer.
Writing Essentials
Master the essentials of writing, and become the stellar wordsmith you always wanted to be! In this course, you'll develop the skills you need to excel at business communications, express yourself clearly online, and take your creative literary talents to a new level. Whether you're hoping to get a better job, write for a blog, or publish your short story, this course will give you the writing tools you need for success. It's also a perfect choice if you speak English as a second language. With the knowledge and hands-on practice you gain from this course, you'll be able to express yourself clearly and persuasively in writing.
Write and Publish Your Nonfiction Book
Whether you dream of becoming a full-time author, writing books to advance your career, or penning your memoir or family history, this fun and information-packed course will teach you how to plan, research, write, edit, and publish your masterpiece. You'll learn how to immerse yourself in your subject and get the information you need from research, interviews, and observation techniques. You'll see how to choose a writing style, structure, and slant that will appeal to your unique audience and keep readers hooked.