Online Class: Creative Writing 101

A self-paced creative writing course covering all the mechanics of creative writing with exercises to unleash your creativity and enhance your writer's voice and personality.

Self-Paced, Online Class
Library Subscription
 
  • 15
    Lessons
  • 43
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 19
    Hours
    average time
  • 1.9
    CEUs
  •  
    Video Audit
    Available
 
 

Course Description

"Creative Writing 101: Nurturing the Art of Expression"

"Creative Writing 101" delves into the enigmatic essence of human creativity, especially as it manifests in written form. Our journey spans a vast expanse of genres: from timeless novels, intense dramas, lyrical poetry, insightful essays, screenplay arts, to the everyday stories that bind us. Each genre, in its own way, offers a fresh perspective on the creative impulse.

At the heart of any writer's work lies their unique voice. This course emphasizes the exploration of the Writer's Voice, its distinct resonance, and the personality it reflects. We will discuss how writing serves not just as a tool for storytelling but also as a therapeutic avenue. The course will dismantle myths surrounding the writing process, delving into the age-old legends and narratives that have shaped our understanding of the written word. The inspiration you seek might be found in the most unexpected of places, and we aim to guide you there.

Who can truly grasp the entirety of creativity? The one who does might be hailed as the most profound author of our time. Yet, it is this very search, this passionate pursuit, that forms the crux of our exploration. Your creative prowess isn't mere self-deception or hubris. Whether a neophyte or a seasoned professional, your creative essence is intrinsic, akin to your smile or the unique way you perceive the world around you. In many ways, tapping into this creativity is a spiritual endeavor, a connection to the larger tapestry of existence.

Creativity isn't limited to art; it's intertwined with our daily lives. For instance, consider the myriad choices that go into creating something as commonplace as a phone directory: from typography decisions to content layout. Yet, in the hands of an actor of Al Pacino's caliber, even a phone book can be rendered with the dramatic flair of Shakespearean prose. Creativity is everywhere, waiting to be recognized and harnessed.

Your understanding of your own creative process is deeply personal. It's a flame that demands nurturing. Writers, in particular, face unique challenges. Unlike instantaneous art forms, written works require time to be consumed. They demand dissemination, be it through publication or digital platforms. Recognition can be an arduous journey. Yet, the passion for writing, the irresistible pull towards self-expression, remains undimmed.

How does one cultivate creativity? It's akin to holistic self-care. Renowned figures like the Dalai Lama, St. Francis of Assisi, and Mahatma Gandhi have all contemplated the unfathomable depths of creativity without arriving at a definitive understanding. Instead of dissecting creativity, we should foster it, letting it grow organically. In essence, nurturing your creativity is synonymous with nurturing your very soul.

The benefits of creativity are manifold. It uplifts spirits, heals wounds, and brings joy. At times, it can be a ticket to prosperity or a tool for forging connections. Yet, as with all things, it comes with its risks. The very passion that fuels creativity can sometimes become overwhelming, so it's essential to maintain a balance.

As you traverse the world of creative writing, remember this: writing, at its core, is an art of innovation. It's a dance of ideas, a harmonious blend of thoughts and expressions. In the vast realm of creativity, there is no room for stagnation. Movement, growth, and evolution are its lifeblood.

What is creative writing? In its purest form, it's unadulterated joy!


Course Outline:

  • Lesson 1: Personal Creativity in Writing
  • Lesson 2: Exploring Various Written Forms and Their Creative Essence
  • Lesson 3: The Art and Soul of Poetry Writing
  • Lesson 4: Crafting Essays: A Source of Creative Bliss
  • Lesson 5: The World of Stories and Fiction
  • Lesson 6: The Spectrum of Dramatic Forms
  • Lesson 7: Novels: Diving Deep into Extended Narratives
  • Lesson 8: Writing From Experience, Acknowledging the Unknown
  • Lesson 9: Your Unique Identity as a Writer
  • Lesson 10: Embracing Writing as Therapeutic Practice
  • Lesson 11: Illusions in Writing: Separating Myths from Reality
  • Lesson 12: Culinary Arts as a Writer's Metaphor
  • Lesson 13: Writing for the Soul vs. Audience Pleasure
  • Lesson 14: Connecting Words with the Infinite
  • Lesson 15: Grappling with the Limitations and Boundlessness of Words.

Dive into the fascinating world of creative writing and uncover the artist within you.

 

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:
4.4 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(2,501 votes)
  • Lesson 1: Personal Creativity in Writing

    This lesson will answer the question: "Why do I care about personal creativity in my writing?"
  • Lesson 2: Various Written Forms and Creative Flow

    This lesson explores the different kind of writing forms, including comedy, essays, and fiction.
  • Lesson 3: Thoughts of Writing Poetry

    This lesson describes the history of poetry and its various forms.
  • Lesson 4: Easy Essays for Creative Happiness

    This lesson deals with understanding how to write a basic essay.
  • Lesson 5: Stories and Fiction in General

    This lesson describes how to be a creative fiction writer.
  • Lesson 6: Dramatic Forms

    This lesson describes how to write fictional dramas and adventures.
  • Lesson 7: The Novel Novelist

    This lesson describes some of the factors that go into writing a novel.
  • Lesson 8: Write What You Know, and Admit You Know Nothing

    This lesson examines why it might be a better idea to become a specialist writer instead of writing about things you know nothing about.
  • Lesson 9: Your Personality as a Writer

    This lesson explains how to assert your own personality into your writing.
  • Lesson 10: Creative Writing as Therapy

    This lesson explains how writing can be as beneficial as therapy in many situations.
  • Lesson 11: The Ghost in the Wishing Well: Illusions and False Ideas About Creative Writing

    This lesson explains how to separate your ego from your writing, and what to do about writer's block.
  • Lesson 12: Culinary Arts as Allegory for the Writer

    The similarities between a creative chef and a creative writer.
  • Lesson 13: Writing to Please Others or Yourself?

    This lesson explains why it is important to write for yourself first.
  • Lesson 14: From Eternity to You

    The art of being creative.
  • Lesson 15: The Impossible Task of Words

    The importance of the written word.
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Define ways to develop personal creativity in writing.
  • Describe various written forms and define the creative flow.
  • Demonstrate creativity through easy essays.
  • Describe dramatic forms.
  • Demonstrate your personality in your writing.
  • Compare and contrast writing a novel versus writing a short story.
  • Describe how writing can be therapeutic.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Additional Course Information

Online CEU Certificate
  • 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
Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: Creative Writing 101
Course Number: 9770546
Lessons Rating: 4.4 / 5 Stars (2,501 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: This course is online and available in all 50 states including: California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Texas.
Last Updated: June 2023
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Class
CEU Value: 1.9 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.
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Instructor: Dana Kristan
Syllabus: View Syllabus

Student Testimonials

  • "I thought this was an excellent course. I love that I could complete it at my own pace, writing when my schedule permitted. Thank you!" -- Diane S.
  • "I enjoyed the course. I have always written for myself. It was good to have the experience of sharing my writing. I hope to take more courses on writing. I did appreciate all the positive feedback and I thought the writing topics were very diverse and challenged me to think." -- Louise G.
  • "I thought it was pretty fun. I'm taking CEU's to advance my salary as a teacher. I advise a creative writing club after school and I found this to be really helpful for potential lessons and tips." -- Dakota M.
  • "I truly enjoyed this course. It helped me to see that having a career in writing is really about putting my passion for words on paper and I shouldn't base my agenda on money. Money is a plus but my focus needs to be on my passion. I gained much insight into myself and the kind of writing I want to pursue. Thank you." -- Katherine T.
  • "I personally enjoyed this course, I was able to understand the material and it never made me feel overwhelmed." -- Maria C.
  • "I think the lessons and assignments were great. I enjoyed getting to write and have the instructor read and grade my work. It was helpful to know that the instructor was going to read and comment on my work." -- Anthony D.
  • "This course have great insights for writing, I think this course is really helpful to a writer, at the same time it give insights to read. The tests they make me think, and go deep in thoughts something I never utilized before. The course is great." -- Gamal G.
  • "I loved this course and I learned so much. I would recommend this course to anyone who might be serious about writing." -- Ann M.
  • "Very insightful. Helped me to grow and expand my writing ability. Loved it, thank you." -- Summer G.
  • "It was great!" -- Ryan B.

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