Online Class: Creative Writing 101

Engage with the creative force within through Creative Writing 101, which examines everything from novels to personal essays, encouraging writers to unearth their distinct voice. This course not only uncovers the myths of writing but also promotes creativity as a means of self-discovery and holistic well-being.

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$120.00 (with CEU Certificate)
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  • 15
    Lessons
  • 38
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 110
    Students
    have taken this course
  • 19
    Hours
    average time
  • 1.9
    CEUs
 
 
 

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.

  • Completely Online
  • Self-Paced
  • Printable Lessons
  • Full HD Video  
  • 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:
4.4 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(2,543 votes)

Lesson 1. From Nurturing to Mastery: Embarking on a Creative Writing Quest

Creative writing is a journey that invites exploration and self-discovery, driven by the unique motivations of every writer. Embracing creativity involves nurturing this intrinsic gift, akin to patient gardening that allows imaginative ideas to flourish. 28 Total Points
  • Lesson 1 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Complete Assignment: Introductions
  • Complete Assignment: Lesson 1 Creativity in Writing
  • Assessment: Lesson 1 Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 1 Review Exam

Lesson 2. Unleashing Creative Flow Through Words

Writing unites methodical structures and free-flowing creativity, balancing scientific accuracy with the expressive freedom found in fiction and poetry. The dance of creative flow encourages writers to weave personal thoughts into coherent narratives, offering a deeper understanding of the human condition. 33 Total Points
  • Lesson 2 Video
  • Complete Assignment: Lesson 2 Creative Forms of Writing
  • Assessment: Lesson 2 Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 2 Review Exam

Lesson 3. Poetry as Art: Beyond Conventional Boundaries

Poetry serves as a powerful tool for societal reflection and change, with postmodern and Beat poets challenging norms and highlighting societal flaws. Poets' works offer new perspectives, inviting readers to question entrenched values and seek authenticity. 79 Total Points
  • Lesson 3 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 3 Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 3 Review Exam

Lesson 4. Beyond Academics: Essays as Creative Expressions

The art of essay writing is a dynamic dance between informative clarity and persuasive prowess, allowing creators to engage and educate audiences across a spectrum of themes. By embracing a unique voice and style, writers craft essays that resonate as both intellectual exercises and empathetic narratives, influencing cultural conversations and societal reforms. 66 Total Points
  • Lesson 4 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 4
  • Assessment: Lesson 4 Review Exam

Lesson 5. Storytelling Fundamentals

Effective storytelling combines fundamental elements like plot, character, and theme to create compelling narratives. By mastering these elements and embracing creativity, writers can craft stories that captivate and resonate with audiences worldwide. 23 Total Points
  • Lesson 5 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 5 Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 5 Review Exam

Lesson 6. Balancing Structure and Creativity in Drama

Dramatic writing turns storytelling into performance art through meticulous detailing of script formats and visual cues. This creative process extends beyond solitary writing, embracing collaboration to ensure stories resonate in the minds and hearts of audiences. 114 Total Points
  • Lesson 6 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 6 Assignment A
  • Complete: Lesson 6 Assignment B
  • Assessment: Lesson 6
  • Assessment: Lesson 6 Review Exam

Lesson 7. Novel Writing 101

A novelist’s quest is a marathon of imagination and persistence, creating relatable characters and intricate plotlines to connect with readers on a deeply emotional level. This creative dialogue is enhanced by rich descriptions and poignant imagery, building settings that resonate symbolically and aesthetically within the narrative. 115 Total Points
  • Lesson 7 Video
  • Review Practice Worksheet: 9770546aa56672zz.png
  • Complete: Lesson 7 Assignment A
  • Complete: Lesson 7 Assignment B
  • Assessment: Lesson 7
  • Assessment: Lesson 7 Review Exam

Lesson 8. The Narrative Dance: Embracing the Art of Storytelling

The role of the writer is not just to tell stories, but to evoke empathy and curiosity through authentic narratives. By combining personal experience with creative exploration, writers create tales that engage readers and inspire thoughtful reflection. 100 Total Points
  • Complete: Lesson 8 Assignment A
  • Complete: Lesson 8 Assignment B
  • Assessment: Lesson 8 Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 8 Review Exam

Lesson 9. The Soul of Your Expression: Embracing Your Writer's Voice

The voices of literary giants like J.K. Rowling and Maya Angelou illustrate how personal narratives combined with universal themes create resonant, impactful stories. Emulate their ability by learning from their techniques without sacrificing your unique perspective. 8 Total Points
  • Lesson 9 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 9 Exam

Lesson 10. Writing as Healing: Using Words to Mend the Soul

Amidst the universal human experience of suffering, writing serves as a powerful tool for emotional release and personal transformation. Through expressing grief, trauma, and unresolved emotions on paper, individuals find an opportunity for therapeutic reflection and healing. 74 Total Points
  • Lesson 10 Video
  • Review 3 Practice Worksheets
  • Complete: Lesson 10 Assignment A
  • Complete: Lesson 10 Assignment B
  • Complete: Lesson 10 Assignment C
  • Assessment: Lesson 10

Lesson 11. Beyond the Myths: The True Art of Creative Writing

The romanticized myths of writing and the pursuit of originality obscure its deeper purpose: exploring shared human experiences with fresh perspectives. Reflect on Shakespeare or Murakami; writing's magic lies in reinvention, not in unattainable newness. 6 Total Points
  • Lesson 11 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 11 Exam

Lesson 12. Merging Flavors and Narratives in Creative Exploration

Writing and cooking share a rhythm of creativity that thrives on preparation, seasoning, and presentation, echoing the necessity of passion and resilience. By treating each craft as a journey of self-expression, creators engage audiences through narratives that hold familiarity while sparking imagination. 52 Total Points
  • Lesson 12 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 12

Lesson 13. Balancing Creative Liberation and Constraints

Art serves a dual purpose-it's a reflection of individual expression and a response to societal demands, harmonizing an artist's vision with communal consciousness. By viewing creativity as both fleeting and impactful, artists can explore new realms, enhancing their craft while forging deep connections with audiences. 7 Total Points
  • Lesson 13 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 13

Lesson 14. Heroes and Archetypes: Narratives That Resonate

Enduring narratives capture timeless themes—conflict, love, courage—creating resonant storytelling as seen in works from 'The Iliad' to 'Les Misérables'. Writers can achieve timelessness by exploring universal themes, thereby creating works that invoke shared human emotions and societal questions. 4 Total Points
  • Lesson 14 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 14 Exam

Lesson 15. Bird by Bird: Navigating Challenges in Writing

The writer navigates an impossible journey, articulating dreams as fleeting landscapes sketched with a finite lexicon while unveiling the intricacies of a man at rest. This daunting endeavor lies not merely in recounting facts but in extracting meaning from a cosmos of infinite possibilities. 69 Total Points
  • Lesson 15 Video
  • Lesson discussions: End of Course Poll; Course Comments; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course)
  • Complete: Lesson 15 Assignment A
  • Complete: Lesson 15 Assignment B
  • Complete: Lesson 15 Assignment C: Final Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 15 Final Exam
778
Total Course Points
 

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 (2,543 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: With online access available nationwide, this course reaches all U.S. states, including California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. Additionally, it’s open to learners in English-speaking countries such as the UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
Last Updated: February 2024
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
Course Fee: $120.00 U.S. dollars

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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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