Online Class: Writing Women's Fiction

In this course, we're going to show you how to write creative women's fiction. We're going to review what is how and how to create a compelling story step-by-step.
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  • 16
    Lessons
  • 16
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 721
    Students
    have taken this course
  • 7
    Hours
    average time
  • 0.7
    CEUs
 
 
 

Course Description

According to recent data from the American Bookseller Association and the Book Industry Study Group, the pull of women's fiction on the literary landscape is undeniable. Accounting for a staggering 40% of adult popular fiction sold in the United States and 60% of its paperback sales, this genre has carved an impressive niche for itself. Furthermore, a recent analysis has revealed that women's fiction is a flourishing $24 billion industry. A sheer testament to its magnetic allure!

But what truly constitutes women's fiction? The narrative thrives on the protagonist's resilience, where she doesn't seek salvation from external forces but emerges as her own savior. The Romance Writers of America further defines it as the depiction of women on the cusp of life-altering moments and transformations. Their journeys, imbued with emotional profundity, influence their relationships and culminate in uplifting endings, especially concerning romantic pursuits.

Women's fiction transcends mere 'chick lit' or romance. It marries literary artistry with universal appeal, often portraying strong female characters grappling with both personal and societal challenges.

In our course, "Empowerment Through the Pen", we invite you on a journey of mastering the craft of women's fiction. Whether you're an absolute beginner or a seasoned writer seeking refinement, our modules are tailored to guide you from foundational concepts to intricate storytelling techniques. You'll learn:

  1. The Essence of Women's Fiction: Understand its core elements and how it distinguishes itself from related genres.
  2. Crafting Relatable Protagonists: Techniques to mold powerful female characters that resonate with readers.
  3. Plot Development: Weave story arcs that encapsulate the challenges, triumphs, and growth of your characters.
  4. Engaging Dialogues and Narratives: Crafting conversations and narratives that captivate.
  5. Industry Insights: Understand market trends, reader preferences, and how to make your manuscript stand out.

Dive into the rich tapestry of women's experiences, emotions, and stories waiting to be told. Join us and master the art and heart of women's fiction. Embark on a literary journey that not only empowers your characters but also empowers you as a storyteller!

Courses Frequently Bought Together:
  • 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:
4.7 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(928 votes)

Lesson 1: What, Exactly, Is Women's Fiction?

7 Points
In this lesson, you will learn just exactly what women's fiction is.
  • Lesson 1 Video
  • Review Practice Worksheet: 9770562aa56897zz.png
  • Lesson discussions: Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Complete Assignment: Motives for Taking this Course
  • Assessment: Lesson 1 Quiz

Lesson 2: Setting Your Work Schedule and Dumping Writer's Block

5 Points
In this lesson we will talk about your writing schedule and how to avoid, or conquer, writer's block.
  • Lesson 2 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 2 Quiz

Lesson 3: Exploring the Rich and Varied World of Women's Fiction

4 Points
This lesson will explain what a subgenre is, and you will also learn the difference between romance and women's fiction.
  • Lesson 3 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 3 Quiz

Lesson 4: The Rules of Women's Fiction

3 Points
This lesson will explain the "rules" of women's fiction. You will learn what you need to include to write in this genre.
  • Lesson 4 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 4 Quiz

Lesson 5: Themes of Women's Fiction

3 Points
In this lesson you will learn the common themes of women's fiction.
  • Lesson 5 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 5 Quiz

Lesson 6: Writing Your Central Character

5 Points
This lesson will help you define your main character. You will learn how to build her and give her a backstory.
  • Lesson 6 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 6 Quiz

Lesson 7: Positive Aspects of Women's Fiction

4 Points
In this lesson we will cover the ways positive ideas and themes of women's fiction. It is not all heartbreak and pain!
  • Lesson 7 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 7 Quiz

Lesson 8: Common Threads and Big Picture Thinking

3 Points
This lesson will explore the common threads of a women's fiction novel. It will also explain what those common threads are. Additionally, we will talk about "the big picture" -- where you hope to go from here.
  • Lesson 8 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 8 Exam

Lesson 9: Setting the Scene

3 Points
In this lesson, we will explore the typical settings for women's fiction.
  • Lesson 9 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 9 Quiz

Lesson 10: Plotting Your Course

4 Points
This lesson will discuss plotting, and explain how to use outlines, plot maps, and charts.
  • Lesson 10 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 10 Quiz

Lesson 11: How to Use Subplots in Your Writing

4 Points
In this lesson, you will learn what a subplot is, and how subplots can help to make your work stronger.
  • Lesson 11 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 11 Quiz

Lesson 12: A Growing Market

4 Points
This lesson will describe the growing market for women's fiction, and we will discuss agents and publishers.
  • Lesson 12 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 12 Quiz

Lesson 13: Publishing Guidelines for Women's Fiction

4 Points
In this lesson, we will discuss publishing guidelines and research -- what publishers are looking for when it comes to women's fiction.
  • Lesson 13 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 13 Quiz

Lesson 14: Agents: What They Do and How to Find One

5 Points
This lesson will emphasize the importance of finding an agent, rather than blindly sending queries to publishing companies.
  • Lesson 14 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 14 Exam

Lesson 15: Query Letters

4 Points
In this lesson, we will talk about what a hook is --how to write one and why you need one; and you'll also learn what goes into a query letter.
  • Lesson 15 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 15 Exam

Lesson 16: Wrapping it All Up

0 Points
In this final segment, we will recap the previous lessons and talk about what to do now.
  • Lesson 16 Video
  • Lesson discussions: End of Course Poll; Course Comments
62
Total Course Points
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Describe what, exactly, is women's fiction.
  • Demonstrate setting your work schedule and dumping writer's block.
  • Describe subgenres of women's fiction.
  • Describe the rules of women's fiction.
  • Summarize common themes of women's fiction.
  • Demonstrate choosing and writing your central character.
  • Describe positive aspects of women's fiction.
  • Identify common threads and big picture thinking.
  • Demonstrate setting the scene, plotting your course, and using subplots.
  • Summarize publishing guidelines for women's fiction and dealing with agents.
  • Demonstrate writing query letters for your work.
  • 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: Writing Women's Fiction
Course Number: 9770562
Lessons Rating: 4.7 / 5 Stars (928 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: This course is offered online and is accessible in every state across the U.S., including California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. Learners in English-speaking countries like Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and South Africa can also enroll.
Last Updated: March 2024
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Class
CEU Value: 0.7 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 enjoyed doing two courses, and now I have signed up for the third one. It is obvious that I like Universal Class. Keep up the good work!" -- Jaya S.
  • "Overall, the course was really enjoyable and excellent value. I will be doing more creative writing courses with UniversalClass." -- Lorraine C.
  • "I had been struggling to get my head around story structure and plotting, and this course helped with that. Also, understanding the women's fiction genre helped me decide where I wanted to focus my writing endeavors; helped me correctly classify the genre of a novel I was working on; and helped me identify what was right and what was wrong in my first draft and what was essential to fix the problems." -- Lorraine C.
  • "I enjoyed the course. It helped me with my manuscript." -- Patsy W.
  • "This is a fabulous instructor who helped me become a better writer. Thank you!" -- Anita B.
  • "Instructor very encouraging and knowledgeable about lessons taught. Prompt to respond to questions." -- Denise H.
  • "I enjoyed all of it." -- Denise H.

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