This practical course is designed for beginners and will accommodate the expressed needs and interests of the students. The unit of study is short prose - fiction and non-fiction. However, non-prose writing will be included to explore different considerations and techniques. Build on your understanding and enjoyment of writing by developing theme, plot, structure, settings, characterisation, dialogue and editing.

Much of the power and emotional impact of stories comes from the effective use of language. Make your writing sparkel and come to life for the reader by improving your understanding of word choice, imagery, atmosphere, mood, tone, and style.

Great stories have intriguing plots and intense conflict woven together in a way that keeps readers hooked. Does this mean guns, bomb, earthquakes, shipwrecks and homicidal ex-lovers? Not necessarily. Understand the differences between main and sub plots, as well as parallel, mirrors, alternate and braided. Learn what conflict really is, and how to make it riveting and original without blowing up cities and devastating planets in every chapter. Decide what will work best for the type of story you want to write.

Talking is easy; writing about talking is not. Learn effective techniques to make your characters moan, hiss, chuckle, weep, squeak, yell and ululate in an interesting, believable manner. [TAGS: Creative Writing]

Discover what Point of View really is and how to select the best POV for your story. Learn how to establish and maintain a POV, how to use limited and multiple narrators, how to switch POV effectively, and more.

Lack of editing is a major reason publishers reject manuscripts. New writers often believe editing means spell checking, but editing is much more. This course will help you better understand the writing process and introduce the techniques that will make you an effective editor. Also included is information on critiquing manuscripts, and writing partners and groups.

You've written a story, article, play, novel, poem. Now what? Get advice on the publishing industry including where to send your manuscript, copyright, agents, appraisal services, pseudonyms, grants and manuscript presentation. Vital information on how to write a query letter and a synopsis is included. The tutor prefers that students have a completed piece of writing that they are considering having published.

Digital print technology has dramatically changed self-publishing with eBooks and POD, but also in the areas of marketing and promotion. This course will cut through the hype and misinformation providing you with the information you really need to know.

This course will help you write interesting, original Sci-Fi and Fantasy. Learn how to build credible worlds, and societies, and create believable human and non-human characters. Also included are tips on plot, conflict, dialogue, action and description.

Nowadays both traditional and self-published writers need to understand marketing. This course will help you build your platform both online and in the real world, and create a marketing plan to suit your needs and your budget. Suitable for writers of fiction and non-fiction.