Online Class: Creative Writing for Beginners

Explore the art of storytelling through fiction, poetry, and non-fiction in this comprehensive course designed to unleash your creative potential. By blending foundational techniques with practical exercises, students overcome barriers and gain the skills to publish their masterpieces.

Self-Paced, Online Class

Library Subscription

15

Lessons
23

Exams &
Assignments
5

Hours
average time
0.5

CEUs

Course Description

A Journey into the Heart of Creative Writing

In a world punctuated by visual and auditory marvels, the eloquence of words remains timeless. Just as an artist delicately strokes the canvas and a sculptor molds life into clay, a writer weaves dreams and realities on the blank slate of paper. And in this digital age, the dance of fingers over a keyboard becomes a symphony of creativity. Our comprehensive course is a sanctuary for both budding and seasoned writers, serving as the compass to navigate the boundless seas of creative writing.

Why This Course Resonates:

Diverse Palette: Dive deep into the myriad realms of fiction, poetry, screenplays, and immersive nonfiction.
Foundations & Flourishes: Whether you're penning your first word or your thousandth page, master the basics and nuances that make your writing resonate.
A World of Forms: Understand the quintessence of diverse writing styles, from captivating memoirs and revealing biographies to incisive articles for newspapers and dynamic blogs.
Break the Shackles: Battle and conquer the daunting demon of writer's block, ensuring your creativity flows unhindered.
From Creation to Celebration: Not only nurture your creation but also learn the art of showcasing it to the world, understanding the avenues to get your masterpiece recognized and published.

Course Highlights:

15 Engaging Lessons: Each lesson, a stepping stone, builds upon the last, ensuring a holistic grasp of creative writing.
Hands-On Exercises: Post-lesson exercises designed to solidify your understanding and hone your skills.
Innovative Assignments: Fuel your creativity with tailored writing assignments that ignite inspiration and set your imagination aflame.

This course isn't just an introduction; it's an odyssey into the enchanting universe of creative writing. It celebrates the spirit of expression, empowering even the greenest novices to seamlessly translate their thoughts into words. So, whether you're scribbling in hidden notebooks or longing to ink your thoughts for the first time, this course promises to be the wind beneath your literary wings.

Join us, and be astounded by the symphony of words you can orchestrate. Embark on this journey, and etch your own legacy in the annals of creative writing!

Courses Frequently Bought Together:

Creative Writing Workshop

Writing Basics 101: Spelling, Grammar, Punctuation, Writing Structures

Novel Writing 101

Areas of Study

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:

"Extraordinarily Helpful"

(4,789 votes)

Lesson 1. Words that Dance: The Art and Science of Creative Writing

Creative writing invites you into a world where words paint vivid scenes, sculpt characters, and weave narratives that captivate and transform. This course initiates you into this absorbing art through 15 structured lessons that unlock the tools and techniques vital for crafting your own stories. 11 Total Points

Lesson 1 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-1-Downloadable-16841.pdf
Lesson discussions: Reasons for Taking this Course
Complete Assignment: An Introduction
Assessment: Lesson 1 Exam

Lesson 2. Write to Reflect: Discovering Personal Motives Beyond Publishing

Creative writing traces its roots to ancient times, serving as a vessel for imagination and expression. This lesson explores the motivations behind writing, the barriers faced, and the importance of nurturing intrinsic motivations over external goals. 10 Total Points

Lesson 2 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-2-Activity-16843.pdf
Assessment: Lesson 2 Exam

Lesson 3. Unlocking Your Creative Genius: A Deep Dive into Imaginative Writing

Creating dynamic characters and engaging plots is essential for captivating storytelling, where heroes undergo transformative journeys. Such narratives interweave compelling characters with intricate plots, leading readers through complex adventures that reflect authentic growth and challenges. 35 Total Points

Lesson 3 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-3-Activity-16845.pdf
Complete: Lesson 3 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 3 Exam

Lesson 4. Narrative Construction: Merging Plot and Character in Fiction

Effective storytelling weaves together complex plots with deeply developed characters, whose conflicts grow naturally from their desires and fears. Subplots, when interwoven seamlessly with the main narrative, enrich the story, providing additional layers of tension and character development. 10 Total Points

Lesson 4 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-4-Activity-16846.pdf
Assessment: Lesson 4 Exam

Lesson 5. Mastering the Art of Conversation in Writing

Dialogue enlivens both fiction and nonfiction by connecting readers to characters and bridging the narrative world. Mastering dialogue enhances storytelling by revealing emotions, advancing plots, and building relationships within a story. 35 Total Points

Lesson 5 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-5-WorkSheet-16847.pdf
Complete: Lesson 5 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 5 Exam

Lesson 6. The Power of Perspective in Storytelling

Point of view in storytelling is pivotal in shaping narrative depth and reader empathy, acting as the lens through which stories are perceived. Through understanding the core forms—first person, third person, and omniscient—writers can craft engaging tales that resonate with emotional truths and thematic complexities. 10 Total Points

Lesson 6 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-6-HomeWork-16848.pdf
Assessment: Lesson 6 Exam

Lesson 7. Discovering Biographies: Crafting Lives on Paper

Nonfiction writing fosters personal growth and an appreciation for factual integrity, enhancing skills in research, empathy, and critical analysis. This process not only informs readers but enriches the writers' understanding of themselves and the world, as they strive to connect through shared truths. 10 Total Points

Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-7-Downloadable-16849.pdf
Assessment: Lesson 7 Exam

Lesson 8. Crafting Resonance: The Art of Poetry and Its Devices

Poetry transcends words, crafting universes of emotion and imagery, where simplicity and complexity converge under the mastery of a distinctive voice. This mesmerizing art form is fueled by poetic devices like irony and tone, transforming ordinary expressions into timeless, resonant pieces. 34 Total Points

Lesson 8 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-8-Downloadable-16851.pdf
Complete: Lesson 8 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 8 Exam

Lesson 9. Crafting Compelling Content in the Digital Age

As writers transition from generalists to specialists, they gain authority in specific fields and develop a distinct niche. This expertise allows them to produce in-depth, authoritative content that meets the needs of their target audience and enhances their personal brand. 9 Total Points

Lesson 9 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-9-HomeWork-16853.pdf
Assessment: Lesson 9 Exam

Lesson 10. From Page to Stage and Screen: Crafting Compelling Narratives

Scriptwriting blends precise dialogue with stage directions to breathe life into characters and scenarios. This lesson delves into how writers craft subtext and emotion in dialogue, complemented by stage directions that guide actors and directors in delivering the intended story impact. 34 Total Points

Lesson 10 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-10-WorkSheet-16855.pdf
Complete: Lesson 10 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 10 Exam

Lesson 11. The Power of Clarity: Essential Editing Strategies

Self-editing is vital, challenging writers to critically revisit their drafts for authenticity. Through deliberate time away and focused rewrites, manuscripts evolve into polished masterpieces. 10 Total Points

Lesson 11 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-11-WordSearch-16857.pdf
Assessment: Lesson 11 Exam

Lesson 12: From Stagnation to Flow: Strategies for Creative Release

10 Total Points

Lesson 12 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-12-HomeWork-16859.pdf
Assessment: Lesson 12 Exam

Lesson 13. Prompts: Your Gateway to Innovative Storytelling

Creativity thrives within everyone and can be awakened by engaging regularly in the act of writing, especially during uninspired moments. Writing prompts serve as tools to unlock hidden ideas, helping overcome mental blocks and leading to unexpected creative breakthroughs. 10 Total Points

Lesson 13 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-13-Downloadable-16861.pdf
Assessment: Lesson 13 Exam

Lesson 14. Exploring the Landscape of Modern Publishing

Reading enriches a writer's creativity and technical proficiency, expanding vocabulary and sharpening narrative tools. Writers learn not only from literary successes like Rowling’s finely woven allegories but also from dissecting missteps to avoid pitfalls in their work. 35 Total Points

Lesson 14 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-14-Activity-16863.pdf
Complete: Lesson 14 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 14 Exam

Lesson 15. Publishing: Navigating the Concurrent Opportunities and Challenges

Publishing has transformed significantly due to digital technology, offering writers new opportunities but also increasing competition. Authors must now skillfully navigate self-promotion and engage readers while balancing their creative and business roles to succeed. 106 Total Points

Lesson 15 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-15-WorkSheet-16865.pdf
Lesson discussions: End of Course Poll; Course Comments; Reasons for Taking this Course
Complete: Lesson 15 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 15 Exam
Assessment: The Final Exam

369

Total Course Points

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:

Apply creative writing techniques to produce a short story or poem that incorporates character development, plot structure, and thematic resonance, reflecting individual style and voice.
Demonstrate an understanding of creative writing by identifying and explaining different narrative techniques used in fiction, poetry, screenplays, and non-fiction.
Demonstrate the ability to overcome common barriers to creative writing by employing strategies such as establishing a routine and embracing imperfection.
Identify and illustrate personal motivations for creative writing, distinguishing between intrinsic inspiration and external publishing goals.
Demonstrate the ability to apply parallel structure and repetition in writing to create rhythm, emphasis, and thematic unity, improving the coherence and engagement of the narrative.
Recognize and use figurative language techniques such as metaphors, similes, and personification to enhance creative writing with deeper meaning and emotional impact.
Analyze and apply various types of conflict (internal and external) to enhance character development and drive narrative tension in short story writing.
Define the key components of a narrative, including plot structure, point of view, and dialogue, to effectively create a compelling story.
Define and apply the components of effective dialogue to enhance character development and narrative progression in a given text through a written exercise.
Demonstrate the ability to analyze and critique dialogue in literary examples for its role in revealing character emotions, advancing plot, and building relationships during group discussion.
Define and explain the characteristics of first person, third person, and omniscient points of view in narrative writing.
Demonstrate the ability to choose and justify an appropriate point of view for a given story based on the desired narrative style and emotional impact.
Define the main characteristics of memoirs and how they differ from autobiographies.
Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.

Additional Course Information

Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online

View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media

Course Title: Creative Writing for Beginners

Course Number: 9770561

Lessons Rating: 4.5 / 5 Stars (4,789 votes)

Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries

Category:

UniversalClass.com > Writing Help > Writing Creative Fiction

Availability: You can take this course online in every U.S. state including California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. International availability includes English-speaking countries like Canada, Australia, the UK, and South Africa.

Last Updated: May 2024

CEU Value: 0.5 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)

CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).

Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.

Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Classes

Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams

Instructor: Dana Kristan

Syllabus: View Syllabus

Student Testimonials

"I have a B.A. in Creative Writing and let me tell you, this course was both incredibly helpful and very fun. I have honestly learned more from this course than most of my college classes. The assignments were engaging and immensely helpful. I went in thinking this course would be a refresher for me, but I am genuinely blown away by just how much I have learned." -- Kaitlyn W.
"This course was helpful for me. I learned a considerable amount about writing in general as well as gaining insight into the creative aspect. I thoroughly enjoyed every assignment, in particular, that they were assessed, marked, and issued with comments. The turnaround time for the assessments provided was exceptional. I was encouraged by the regularly updated grading and having a report card for reference. The course content provided me with what I was wanting and more. Recommending your course will be a pleasure for me and I will take on another in the, not too distant future. Many Thanks." -- Peter P.
"I found this course very helpful. I learnt a lot about the different types of writing and which forms/genres I hope to pursue. The writing prompt exercises were especially helpful, as they are a good practice to keep yourself writing when you can't think of any original ideas yourself." -- Lisa K.
"I really enjoyed this course! I have loved writing my whole life, but I still learned a lot about different writing techniques and styles. I loved receiving the positive feedback from my tutor too. I found some of the writing assignments appropriately challenging and they forced me to put into action what I was being taught...Thank you for all of the work that went into creating this course!" -- Michaela D.
"It really helped with positive feedback from the instructor and her quick response to my assignments." -- Deborah D.
"Thank you so much, I feel like I've gained a lot from this course. I definitely consider it a great starting point for me to build upon and hone my craft further. Thank you, and you'll most likely see me in another writing course soon." -- Michele C.
"I really enjoyed doing this course and the help and advice from the instructor." -- Tammy P.
"The instructor was very fair and very timely in getting my assignments/exams back." -- Mary lee S.
"The instructor is a blessing and was so encouraging." -- Daphne B.
"The instructor was extremely prompt in grading assignments and provided valuable feedback." -- Randy E.