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.
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$120.00
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$120.00 (with CEU Certificate)
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  • 15
    Lessons
  • 23
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 227
    Students
    have taken this course
  • 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:
  • Completely Online
  • Self-Paced
  • 6 Months to Complete
  • 24/7 Availability
  • Start Anytime
  • PC & Mac Compatible
  • Android & iOS Friendly
  • Accredited CEUs
Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider
 
 

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:
4.47 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(4,765 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Assessment: Lesson 11 Exam

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

10 Total Points
  • Lesson 12 Video
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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:
  • Describe the creative writing process.
  • Define elements of short story and fiction writing.
  • Demonstrate dialogue.
  • Demonstrate point of view.
  • Demonstrate writing nonfiction.
  • Demonstrate writing poetry.
  • Demonstrate writing articles, blogs, and journalistic pieces.
  • Demonstrate writing dramas, scripts, and screenplays.
  • Describe the importance of editing.
  • Describe techniques overcoming writer's block.
  • Recognize new ways to unlock your creativity.
  • Describe ways to publish your writing.
  • 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 for Beginners
Course Number: 9770561
Lessons Rating: 4.47 / 5 Stars (4,765 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: Accessible from any state in the U.S., this course covers key areas such as California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. The course is also offered in English-speaking nations like Australia, Canada, the UK, and South Africa.
Last Updated: May 2024
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Class
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.
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Instructor: Dana Kristan
Syllabus: View Syllabus
Course Fee: $120.00 U.S. dollars

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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.

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