Discover how to make characters come to life, create vivid settings, and develop plot twists that will have your readers on the edge of their seats.
The Certificate of Fiction Writing is a creative writing course that will help you to masterfully structure a fictional story and develop a plan for publication.
In this online creative writing course, you will learn about the components that make up a fictional story, and how to write different types of fiction, from fantasy to science fiction, romance, comedy and more.
You will also learn about theme development, research, writing and editing techniques, as well as how to submit your work to publishers.
On completion of this course, you will have developed the knowledge and skills to research, write and edit a fictional story, from short stories to novels, for publication.
Course Structure
Unit - Writing Fiction
Unit 1 – Scope and Nature of Fiction
- Elements
- Types of Fiction (Category/genre and Mainstream)
- Characteristics of Category Fiction (strong plot, hero/heroine, motivation. Action, background/setting)
- Characteristics of Mainstream Fiction (Strong plot, Action or intrigue, hero, heroine, romance, happy ending)
- Book, play or short story
- Categories (Fantasy, fairy tale, fable, myth, legend, science fiction, western, drama, romance, comedy, horror, crime, suspense, erotica)
- Getting an Idea (using a fragment, philosophical approach, develop from a title or opening sentence)
- Back story
- Types of writing
- Theme development
- Write an Analogy
- Writing a Balanced Theme
- Are You Suited to Writing Fiction ; Imagination, Being Informed, Human Behaviour
- Importance of Focus
Unit 2 – Components of a Story
- Story Components
- Story Structure
- Theme
- Plot
- Characterisation
- Settings
- Developing your own Style
- Aspects of Style
- Case Study
Unit 3 – Technique
- Conception (Characters, Settings, Events)
- Write a Synopsis
- Developing a Story
- Examples of Plot Structure
- Method Writing (Developing characters, changing characters, Appropriateness of characters, Revealing characters through crisis, names, stereotypes, creating dynamic characters)
- Writing a Draft
- Editing and Rewriting
Unit 4 – Conception and Research
- Conceiving a Story
- Parts of Conception
- Making conception original
- Types of research (Primary and secondary data)
- Planning a formal survey
Unit 5 – Drama
- Writing a Dramatic Story
- Common mistakes
- Time Shifting
- Transition between events
- Dramatic conflict
- Motivation
- Dialogue
- Point of View
- Representing Characters Speech
Unit 6 – Fantasy
- Science Fiction
- Methods to develop Sci Fi
- Fairy Tales
Unit 7 – The Short Story
- Characteristics of Short Stories
- Length in terms of: the time frame; the number of characters; the number of events; the number of settings
- Common Problems with Short story Writers
Unit 8 – The Novel
- Guidelines
- Planning a Novel
- Making a story Endure (Archetypes, etc)
- Tips
- Getting Started
- Submitting a Manuscript
- Which Publisher
Study Hours
Estimated duration 50 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training 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.
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and Direct Deposit
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
Professional Development for:
- Writers
- Authors
- Freelance Writers
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