Course Description: Students in this free course learn how to write compelling short stories, novels, plays, and essays by mastering the elements of effective prose, such as plot, setting, characters, and imagery. Students will have the chance to experiment with various prose and poetry forms as well as literary responses. The importance of originality and thoughtful writing will be highlighted. We'll look at innovative approaches to generate writing ideas as well as ways to avoid writer's block. This course depends on peer reviews and discussion in the comments section under each lesson.
Course Objectives
- To enable students to create works of literature in various genres, including, but not limited to: short story/fiction, creative nonfiction, drama, and poetry
- To correctly identify the basic elements of fiction and creative nonfiction.
- To gain an accurate vocabulary of prose terms.
Course Contents
Show! Don't Tell
Describing a Character's Voice
Show being Annoyed: Describing Annoyance
How to Describe a Kiss
Descriptive Words for Laughter
Show Being Angry
General Rules
20 Tips for Improving Word Choice in Creative Writing: Strategies and Examples
Why Reading is Essential for Successful Writing: 20 Reasons with References
20 Tips for Using Structure to Reflect Theme in Creative Writing
Optimizing Your Writing Process: Tips and Techniques for Planning, Drafting, Revising, and Editing
When to Change Paragraph
20 Tips for Writing Vivid and Descriptive Prose
20 Tips for Writing Figurative and Flowery Language
10 Types of Tone and 15 Tips for Selecting Tone in Writing
Boost Your Creativity: 15 Brainstorming Techniques and Tips
20 Essential Characteristics of Good Writing: A Guide for Improved Communication and Creativity
Incorporating Imagery
Master the Art of Imagery in Writing: 5 Types and 10 Examples
30 Words for Describing Sound in Writing
31 Words for Describing Smell in Writing
86 Words for Describing Touch: Meanings and Usage Examples
Descriptive Vocabulary
Words to Describe Character's Face & Facial Features
Words to Describe Body Types & Shapes
Composing Poetry
Master the Art of Meter: A Guide to the 6 Types of Meter in Poetry
Mastering the Art of Conceits in Poetry: 10 Examples and Tips
30 Examples of Metaphor in Poetry with Poem Titles and Poets
Mastering the Art of Poetry: Tips and Techniques for Composing Poems
Book Recommendations
Top 10 must-read Books on Creative Writing: Recommendations and Why They Matter
Plays, Novels & Short Stories
Comparing Short Stories, Novels, and Dramas: 6 Key Differences and Characteristics
Master the Art of Dialogue: 15 Tips and Examples for Writing Effective Dialogues
Characterisation
The Character Development Chart: The Carter Method
Character Development: Tips and Techniques for Crafting Well-Rounded Characters
More to be added
Incorporating Imagery
Descriptive Vocabulary
Book Recommendations
Plays, Novels & Short Stories
Characterisation
More to be added
Course Outcomes
Students are expected
- to demonstrate understanding of aesthetics of modernist poetry.
- to do a critical analysis of poems through close reading of the text.
Further Readings
- Blair, John G. The Poetic Art of W.H. Auden (n.p., n.d.).
- Drew, Elizabeth T.S. Eliot: The Design of his Poetry.(London,1950)
- Gardener, Helen. The Art of T.S. Eliot. (London, 1968)
- Jeffares, A.N. W.B. Yeats, Man and Poet.(London, 1949)
- Leavis, F.R. New Bearings in English Poetry. (London 1961 ed)
- Macneice, Louis The Poetry of W.B. Yeats.( London, 1967)
- Spears, Monroe K. The Poetry of W.H. Auden. (New Jersey, 1981)
- Unterecker, J. W.B. Yeats: A Reader’s Guide (London, 1988).
- Ferguson, M. Salter, M. J., Stallworthy, J. (2005). The Norton Anthology of Poetry. New York: W.W. Norton & Co.
- Untermeyer, L. (2011). Modern British Poetry. Whitefish, MT: Literary Licensing