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.

Best-selling novels and stories have a depth that readers may not be able to explain, but they can feel. This is what makes them memorable and creates classics. Come and explore mythic storytelling, archetypal stories and characters, and discover how to use these in your writing.

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.

Writing for print or digital magazines requires more than good writing. This course will show you how to analyse publications, identify what they are looking for, and adapt your style to satisfy different audiences. Learn about the different types of articles and how to make one idea fit multiple markets by changing your approach, structure and writing.

You've written a story, article, play, novel, poem. Now what? Get advice on the traditional publishing industry including where to send your manuscript, copyright, agents, appraisal services, pseudonyms, and manuscript presentation. Vital information on how to submit online or via email is included as well as how to write a query letter, synopsis, and book proposal.

Players think they're in control, but every memorable game has a writer behind the scenes - a writer who knows how to balance player freedom with strong storytelling. In this class you'll understand how to achieve that. Learn practical techniques for creating branching plots, believable characters, immersive worlds, engaging quests, and memorable NPCs so players will want to keep playing your game.

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.

Why do some stories grip you from the first page while others fall flat? The answer often lies in pacing, emotion and tension. This class explores how these elements work together to shape compelling stories. Learn practical ways to control rhythm, raise stakes, layer emotion, build suspense, and keep readers turning the pages in any genre.

Learn to write your life story using themes, style, point of view, settings and characterisation. Structure your writing to make it sound interesting to a reader, a publisher and an agent.