Start Writing Fiction
Get started with your own fiction writing, focusing on the central skill of creating characters, with this hands-on course.
Affiliate disclosure: if you enroll through links on this page, the course provider may pay us a commission. This comes at no extra cost to you and does not influence how we describe courses.
What You'll Learn in This Course
Master key concepts and practical skills through structured learning modules. By completing this curriculum, you'll gain valuable expertise applicable to real-world scenarios.
Learning Outcome 1
On this online course, established writers – including Louis de Bernières, Patricia Duncker, Alex Garland, Abdulrazak Gurnah, Tim Pears, Michèle Roberts and Monique Roffey – will talk about how they started writing.
Learning Outcome 2
You’ll consider the rituals of writing and keeping a journal; learn how to develop your ideas; reflect on your own writing and editing; hear writers talk about their approach to research; and start turning events into plot.
Learning Outcome 3
You’ll also have the opportunity to review the work of fellow writers and receive comments on your own, learning to read as a writer and respond to feedback.
Skills You'll Develop
This comprehensive Start Writing Fiction curriculum is designed to take you from foundational concepts to advanced implementation. Each module builds upon the previous, ensuring a structured learning path that maximizes knowledge retention and practical application.
Course Requirements & Target Audience
Understand what you need to succeed in this course and determine if it's the right fit for your learning goals
Prerequisites & Requirements
What you need before starting this Start Writing Fiction course:
- Apply and learn to write fiction and generate stories by creating characters
- Investigate notions of writing from your experience and from research
- Explore using a writer’s notebook to develop ideas and increase observational awareness
- Identify and realise the importance of other authors and works to develop your skills in reading as a writer
- Develop your awareness of editing, in developing your vocabulary of style and presentation
Who This Course Is For
This course is perfect for:
- Motivated learners at any level
- Self-paced students
- Anyone interested in the subject
This course might not be suitable if:
- • You're looking for a quick tutorial rather than comprehensive learning
- • You prefer learning without structured curriculum
- • You need highly specialized or niche content
Course Information & Details
Everything you need to know about this online course, from duration to certification
Subject Category
Creative Arts & Media, Literature, Writing
Part of our Creative Arts & Media, Literature, Writing curriculum
Course Language
English
All materials in English
Start Your Learning Journey Today
This online course offers comprehensive training with expert instruction, practical exercises, and a certificate of completion. Join thousands of students advancing their careers through quality online education.
Course Enrollment
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Pricing may vary. Check the course provider for current promotions and exact pricing.
What's Included
- Creation of characters in fiction
- Different sources for characters in stories
- Ways of presenting characters in stories
- Reading as a writer
- Writing practice, including creativity, research, observation and editing
- Peer reviewing, workshops and the importance of feedback
Affiliate disclosure: if you enroll through links on this page, the course provider may pay us a commission. This comes at no extra cost to you and does not influence how we describe courses.
- ✓Instant access after enrollment
- ✓Learn at your own pace
- ✓Direct enrollment with The Open University
Where this course fits
Wider context: the fields we cover, the glossary and certification exams, all written by us rather than pulled from a provider feed.