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This course is ideal for: Writers of all levels who want to learn the secrets to writing compelling fiction
You will:
Indulge your creativity
Learn the key skills needed to write engaging stories
Receive direct feedback on your own writing
Enjoy access to experts who are active in the industry
Unlock your storytelling potential!
“I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect but I found myself addicted! I am inspired. Get into it. It’s great fun and great for the mind.”
– Suzie Lindsay, Creative Writing Stage 1 graduate
| Where | Starts | Duration | Presenter | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online with tutor Learn from anywhere at your convenience. | Monday 28 September 2020 Any time during the week |
5 weeks (Allow 3-4 hours per week) | Pamela Cook | $450 |
Watch our video tour of the online classroom.
Discover how to master memorable characters, filling in their backstories and body language, appearance and other quirks to keep readers captivated. You’ll receive feedback on your characterisation and dialogue.
First person? Third person limited? Omniscient narrator? Explore the various types of points of view with which you can tell a story – they all have their advantages and disadvantages! You'll complete exercises and receive feedback on your narrative voice.
Scenes are the building blocks of stories, so learn the secrets of scene construction and editing – how to write descriptions that allow your readers to feel like they’re there. In this lesson you’ll create and receive feedback on an authentic scene that captures this.
Learn how to apply simple techniques to stop your stories from unravelling and, instead, hold a structure that keeps reader interest high from start to finish. You'll explore the vital points of a narrative and receive feedback on writing in different points of view.
Reveal a map through the wilderness of creative writing, with clear instructions for where to go to succeed in the next part of your writing journey. You'll receive feedback on a scene that incorporates all of the techniques you've mastered.
Q: I'm totally new to all this. Is this the right course for me?
A: Absolutely! It's been designed to give you the foundation skills you need to start writing great fiction – no previous experience required.
Q: I did creative writing a long time ago, but feel pretty rusty. Should I do this course?
A: Yes, we have a lot of people who complete Creative Writing Stage 1 to refresh their skills (and learn plenty of new things). It will provide you with the solid foundations for fiction writing – perfect preparation if you continue on with later courses.
Q: Do I need to have a story or book idea before I start?
A: Not at all. This course is about the fundamentals of fiction, common to all good stories. You'll learn the techniques that go into good storytelling and write small scenes each week to cement your skills.
Q: How many others will be in the class – and are they all experienced writers?
A: The online classroom is a supportive learning environment and we purposefully keep classes small to make everyone more comfortable (no more than approx 20 per class). Everyone is there to learn and no experience is necessary, so you don't need to worry about being out of your depth.
Q: How does the online tutored class work exactly?
A: Each Monday, a new course module will be made available. You can choose any time that week to go through it – there is no set class time. Through the online learning hub, you can chat to classmates and your online tutor and get feedback on your weekly assignments (due each Sunday night).
Q: I'm a busy parent and work full-time. Can I fit this in?
A: Most of our students are busy people just like you. This course is flexible so that all you need to find is a few extra hours in the week, not necessarily all at once. You've totally got this!
Q: This is Stage 1… So what is Stage 2?
A: Depending on your writing goals, we offer Writing Workout where you can complete exercises to strengthen your core skills over six fortnightly sessions. Or, if you're ready to dive into your own book, our eight-week, Novel Writing Essentials course is ideal. Note that with both courses we recommend you've completed Creative Writing Stage 1 first.
Q: Which one is the creative side of the brain again? I'm always getting it wrong.
A: The right side is where the creative magic happens (but hey, the left is important too).
| KNOWLEDGE: | of all the important elements that all work together to create engaging fiction. |
| CONFIDENCE: | in your writing abilities and as a creative human being. Knowledge is powerful stuff! |
| INSPIRATION: | from your online tutor, other classmates and the fabulous creative community. You’ll be buzzing with new ideas, techniques and insight into creating compelling fiction – that you can immediately apply to your own writing. |
| MOTIVATION: | to pursue further writing goals such as short stories or to write the next great novel. You’ll also have the momentum to succeed, thanks to plenty of online resources and 12 months' access to all online course materials. |
“I’ve been writing my whole life, but these tricks and tips really opened my eyes on how to write more effectively. I think it’s an extremely valuable course for anyone who enjoys both reading and writing, whether you want to get a book published or just enjoy writing for yourself.”
– Donna Marriot
“What impressed me was the sheer amount of information packed into each week’s tuition. What we learnt one week was built on the following week… every aspect of creating a readable story. Thank-you.”
– Kathleen Mueller
“I enjoyed listening to the course content by audio. I could listen in the car, while working in the garden, even hanging out the washing. And I enjoy supplementing this with the podcasts.”
– Julie Skerman
“I really enjoyed that there was a lot of interesting and really useful content about structuring a fiction novel. A lot of tips that I am excited to put into practice. I also really liked reading other students’ work and the feel of a community. The online option makes life easier if travel and life commitments make a five-week course at a set time and place hard to commit to.”
– Katie Hoskins
| Where | Starts | Duration | Presenter | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online with tutor Learn from anywhere at your convenience. | Monday 28 September 2020 Any time during the week |
5 weeks (Allow 3-4 hours per week) | Pamela Cook | $450 |
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