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Learn the essentials for telling a good story!
Discover the elements at the heart of all good fiction and nonfiction in this eight-session introduction to creative writing. It’s your first step on the path to writing the stories or essays you’ve always wanted to tell.
Start at the Beginning
Where do ideas come from, anyway? (And are mine any good?)
Creative Writing Essentials begins with strategies for generating and developing ideas. Fun and imaginative prompts will help you tap into your creativity and overcome the blank page. You’ll discover the potential for good stories that our characters and experiences, real or imagined, can offer.
Foundations of Craft
Each week we’ll explore a different foundational craft element. Consider them the building blocks of all strong stories. Lessons will focus on:
- detail and descriptive language
- character development
- basics of plot
- point of view
- capturing dialogue
- setting
We’ll read published examples of fiction and nonfiction to see how each element works, and then put the principles into practice with in-class writing exercises and lively discussion. Students will also complete take-home exercises each week to further build their skills, and have the opportunity for informal sharing and feedback.
New Pages, New People
You’ll leave the class with an understanding of basic storytelling craft, along with several beginnings that can serve as the jumping off point for future stories or essays. Best of all, you’ll connect with other writers and begin to build a writing network (because who wants to write alone?).
Whether you want to write fiction or creative nonfiction—or are not yet sure—Creative Writing Essentials will give you the guidance and practical tools you need to begin telling your stories.
Students do not need any prepared work before the course begins. The only requirements are a pen, paper, and an open imagination!
