Overview
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Start writing fiction is a free course that helps you to get started with your own fiction writing, focusing on the central skill of creating characters.
Syllabus
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- Week1Week 1: Starting to write fiction
- Introduction
- 1.1 What is fiction?
- 1.1.1 Fact and fiction
- 1.1.2 What can you see?
- 1.2 Creating your own space
- 1.2.1 Keeping track of useful details
- 1.2.2 Reviewing your notes
- 1.3 Why writers write
- 1.4 The writing journey starts
- 1.4.1 Developing a character from your notebook
- 1.4.2 Reading characters
- 1.4.3 Week 1 quiz
- 1.4.4 Comparing your characters
- 1.5 Summary of Week 1
- References
- Acknowledgements
- Week2Week 2: The habit of writing
- Introduction
- 2.1 Writers’ rituals
- 2.1.1 What works best for you?
- 2.1.2 Imagining writing spaces
- 2.2 Observation – the importance of detail
- 2.2.1 Heightening your observations
- 2.2.2 Learning from other writers
- 2.2.3 Week 2 quiz
- 2.2.4 Comparing characters again
- 2.2.5 How can I be original?
- 2.2.6 Familiar words in unfamiliar places
- 2.3 The blank page
- 2.3.1 Searching your notebook
- 2.3.2 Should I wait until I’m inspired?
- 2.3.3 Finding a voice
- 2.3.4 More starting ploys
- 2.3.5 Ideas for a story
- 2.4 Summary of Week 2
- References
- Acknowledgements
- Week3Week 3: Writing is editing
- Introduction
- 3.1 Reviewing and redrafting
- 3.1.1 Reading work in progress
- 3.2 What is editing?
- 3.2.1 Editing is your friend
- 3.2.2 Editing practice
- 3.2.3 Editing – big decisions
- 3.2.4 Editing summary
- 3.3 Learn through writing
- 3.3.1 Generate and share something new
- 3.3.2 Commenting on work
- 3.4 Summary of Week 3
- Acknowledgements
- Week4Week 4: Building your story
- Introduction
- 4.1 Why take notes and what to note
- 4.1.1 Research
- 4.1.2 Different approaches to research
- 4.1.3 The notebook habit
- 4.2 What is plot?
- 4.2.1 Developing your plot line
- 4.2.2 What if?
- 4.2.3 Writing character
- 4.3 Hooked by lines and images
- 4.3.1 Hunches that matter
- 4.3.2 Writing about personal concerns
- 4.3.3 Week 4 quiz
- 4.3.4 Reflecting on concerns and ideas
- 4.3.5 Extraordinary versus ordinary
- 4.4 Summary of Week 4
- References
- Acknowledgements
- Week5Week 5: Creating convincing characters
- Introduction
- 5.1 Reading Novakovich
- 5.1.1 Character and plot
- 5.1.2 Revisit your journal
- 5.2 Round and flat characters
- 5.2.1 Enriching stereotypes
- 5.2.2 Talking more than types
- 5.2.3 Challenging expectations
- 5.3 Using yourself
- 5.3.1 Finding and developing fictional characters
- 5.3.2 Week 5 quiz
- 5.3.3 Generating and sharing a character sketch
- 5.4 Summary of Week 5
- References
- Acknowledgements
- Week6Week 6: Developing and portraying characters
- Introduction
- 6.1 Ways of developing characters
- 6.1.1 Talking about characters
- 6.1.2 Building a new character
- 6.1.3 Revealing characters
- Extract: Portraying a character
- 6.1.4 Getting to know your characters
- 6.2 ‘Three Hours Between Planes’
- 6.2.1 Can’t stop talking about characters
- 6.2.2 Returning to your character
- 6.2.3 Portraying your character
- 6.2.4 Self-portrait
- 6.3 Planning your short story
- 6.3.1 Ideas and techniques for working on your story
- 6.3.2 Starting to write your story
- 6.3.3 Layout
- 6.4 Summary of Week 6
- References
- Acknowledgements
- Week7Week 7: Reading as a writer
- Introduction
- 7.1 Enrichment from reading
- 7.1.1 Formulating and sharing technical opinion
- 7.1.2 Reviewing your story
- 7.1.3 Editing your story
- 7.2 Ongoing book reviews
- 7.2.1 Week 7 quiz
- 7.2.2 Editing revisited
- 7.3 Questions to ask
- 7.3.1 Giving feedback to other writers
- 7.3.2 Receiving feedback
- 7.4 Summary of Week 7
- References
- Acknowledgements
- Week8Week 8: Your final story
- Introduction
- 8.1 Sharing your story
- 8.1.1 Being your own critic
- 8.1.2 Benefits of group work
- 8.1.3 Reflect on the feedback
- 8.2 Editing again
- 8.2.1 Reflecting again
- 8.3 Week 8 quiz
- 8.4 The next steps
- Acknowledgements
