They say there’s at least one great novel in all of us just waiting to be released. Could yours be the next bestseller? If you love writing, this course is sure to kickstart your creative writing career.
The Creative Writing Program is a professional development opportunity for aspiring authors that will provide the knowledge, skills and techniques required to create compelling fiction and creative non-fiction.
In this online creative writing course, you will discover the scope and nature of creative writing, writing methodologies and techniques, research and writing inspiration, story and character development and how to write realistic dialogue.
You will hone your creative writing skills, including how to kick-start your writing process, boost your writing confidence and learn how to develop compelling characters.
Throughout the course, you will have the opportunity to analyse texts, write feature articles, construct outlines of fiction stories, plan writing projects, undertake research and prepare a portfolio of creative writing ready for submission to publishers.
Your creative writing portfolio will be assessed by a published author who will provide you with constructive feedback, support, and guidance.
On completion of this course, you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills required to successfully distribute and sell your creative writing pieces.
Course Structure
Unit - Creative Writing
Unit 1 – Introduction
- What is creative writing
- What’s different about creative writing
- Information and creativity
- Creative genres
- Forms of Writing
- Form
- Structure
- Purpose
- Creative Writing resources
- What is needed for success
- The business of writing
- Getting published
- Self publishing
- Vanity publishing
- Terminology
Unit 2 – Basic Creative Writing Skills
- Words and their proper use
- Types of language
- Informative language
- Persuasive language
- Imaginative language
- Literal language
- Figurative language
- Formal language
- Colloquial language
- Parts of language (nouns, pronouns, verbs, adverbs, prepositions, plurals, possessive nouns & pronouns, gender, adjectives, articles)
- Common grammatical errors (fragmented sentences, run on sentences, comma splices, dangling modifiers).
- Run on sentences
- Irregular verbs
- Whom or who
- Pronouns and Antecedents
- Punctuation
- Creating and critiquing
- Generating ideas
- Developing ideas
- Narrative theory
- Storyline
- Narrative structure
- Settings or scenes
- Mood or atmosphere
- Time
- Voice
- Point of view
- Creative reading
Unit 3 – Using Concise Clear Language
- Slice of life fiction
- Conciseness and Succinctness
- Understanding ambiguity
- Causes of ambiguity
- Doubt and ambiguity
- Hinge points and ambiguity
- Defamiliarisation
Unit 4 – Planning What You Write
- Writing routine
- Establishing a theme
- Organising ideas
- Paragraphing
- Writing a synopsis
- Titles
- Developing objectives
Unit 5 – Writing Fiction
- Elements
- Clues
- Signs
- Common errors
- Scope or Range
- Theme problems
- Authenticity problems
- Tone problems
Unit 6 – Writing Non-fiction
- Creative non fiction
- Scope
- Developing ideas
- Narration
- Story line
- Deduction
- Induction
- Classical Development
- Chronological development
- Analogy
- Cause and effect
- Classification
- Comparison and contrast
- Definition
- Analysis
- Developing a profile
- Interviews
Unit 7 – Newspaper Writing
- What to write
- Scope
- News values
- Writing guidelines
- Regular columns
- Fillers
Unit 8 – Writing for Magazines
- Scope of magazine writing
- What publishers want
- Magazine articles
- Travel writing
- Writing for public relations
- Selling your work
Unit 9 – Writing Books
- Themes
- Consistency
- Believability
- Variety
- Getting started
- Getting a contract
- Book publishing
- Non fiction books
- Fact finding
Unit 10 – Special Project
- Organising a portfolio to sell yourself
Assessment
Assessment Information
When you study with Australian Online Courses, you will be assessed using a competency-based training method.
Competency-based training focuses on the achievement of skills and knowledge against set criteria to meet industry-standard and is not benchmarked against other students’ work.
In this course, the assessment will be comprised of written assignments and exercises, which may include short answer questions, reports, essays, research projects and reflective tasks.
If you do not achieve a competency result on your first attempt, you have two more attempts to pass your assessment. So, you have three attempts in total to obtain a competency result.
In this way, you can complete your course in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no entry requirements or pre-requisites for entry into this program.
How long will it take to complete this course?
The approximate study hours for this course is 50 hours. We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application. Fees Apply.
Can I purchase optional printed materials?
While printed materials are not available for purchase, PDF copies are available for download and self-printing for this program.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
Will I receive a certificate upon completion of this course?
Yes! You will receive a Certificate of Attainment upon successful completion of your assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our e-learning system and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
- Writer
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