Sorry, this page is no longer available
Sorry, this page is no longer available
We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Creativity Unleashed

Learn Creative Writing.

Have you always wanted to become a creative writer pro? Regardless of your level as a writer, your experience or expertise, this is the course for you. As an amateur you will learn how to start from zero ground to the level of hero writers. As an experienced creative writer, you will learn here how to plan, organize, and present your work, how to design and develop your project professionally and how to present it on a professional document to any editor, publisher, or producer.

Read more

Learn Creative Writing.

Have you always wanted to become a creative writer pro? Regardless of your level as a writer, your experience or expertise, this is the course for you. As an amateur you will learn how to start from zero ground to the level of hero writers. As an experienced creative writer, you will learn here how to plan, organize, and present your work, how to design and develop your project professionally and how to present it on a professional document to any editor, publisher, or producer.

In this course, you’re going to learn everything you need to know to get you started with creative writing, from styles, methods, techniques to how to write fiction or not fiction and learning forms, not formulas. You’ll even learn the different ways to develop your own characters.

Our instructor has years of experience not only in creative writing, but also in teaching and the expertly-crafted syllabus is designed to be easy to follow and thorough. We’ve even included plenty of examples explained for you to study. That’s why this is the only Creative Writing course you’ll ever need to create awesome stories and write like a pro. Start writing today.

After taking this course, you will be able to:

  • Create a story from scratch

  • Develop your own characters, with backstory, familiar story and antecedents

  • Catch ideas from your daily life

  • Set a writing routine

  • Use the instruments of writing: plot, form, rhythm, tone, style and introduction

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • How to start writing
  • How to know what to tell
  • How to find your own structure
  • How to write a synopsis
  • How to create a plot
  • How to create and develop your characters
  • How to create a script for a movie
  • The principles of the text and the subtext

Syllabus

Introduction
Welcome to the Course
Creativity: Give Yourself Permission to Be Creative
Basics
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides a comprehensive overview of creative writing, covering various genres like short stories, novels, poetry, essays, and scripts, which is useful for those exploring different forms
Begins with fundamental concepts like creativity, ideas, themes, and character development, which builds a strong foundation for those new to creative writing
Explores techniques for overcoming writer's block and establishing a writing routine, which are practical skills for maintaining consistent creative output
Examines the nuances of text, context, and subtext, which are essential for adding depth and meaning to creative writing
Includes a section on synopsis writing, covering different types of synopses, which is helpful for planning and pitching creative projects
Recommends writing drunk and editing sober, which is a controversial approach that may not align with everyone's creative process or personal preferences

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Comprehensive creative writing for all levels

According to learners, this course provides a largely positive experience, offering a comprehensive introduction to creative writing suitable for both beginners and those looking to refresh foundational skills. Students frequently praise the instructor's engaging style and passion, which helps make complex topics accessible. While the course covers a wide range of subjects from character development to plot and different genres, some more experienced writers note that certain sections may feel introductory. Overall, it is seen as a solid starting point for anyone wanting to embark on their creative writing journey.
Includes exercises to help practice concepts learned.
"The exercises were helpful in applying what I learned immediately."
"I appreciated the prompts and activities provided to get me writing."
"Working through the exercises helped solidify the concepts."
"Good practical application alongside the theory."
Ideal for those starting out in creative writing.
"As a total beginner, I found this course incredibly accessible and informative."
"It helped me overcome my fear of starting and gave me a solid foundation."
"Perfect for anyone who doesn't know where to begin with creative writing."
"The course starts from the basics and builds up nicely."
Course covers a broad range of essential creative writing topics.
"This course covers everything from idea generation to character development and structure."
"A great overview of all the key elements needed to start writing effectively."
"I learned about plot, character, setting, and different genres, which was very helpful."
"It truly is a megacourse, packed with lots of information."
Instructor's passion and teaching style are highly praised.
"The instructor was fantastic and shared so many helpful tips."
"His passion for writing is contagious; I felt truly inspired."
"I really appreciated the instructor's clear explanations and insights."
"The lectures were engaging and easy to follow thanks to the instructor."
May not delve deeply enough for experienced writers.
"While comprehensive, I felt some topics could have gone into more detail for advanced learners."
"Good for a refresh, but perhaps not enough new techniques for those already experienced."
"Some parts felt a bit introductory, even though the course title suggests 'Expert'."
"I was hoping for more advanced exercises or detailed critiques."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Complete Creative Writing Megacourse: Beginner to Expert with these activities:
Review Literary Devices
Strengthen your understanding of literary devices to enhance your creative writing and analysis skills.
Show steps
  • Identify common literary devices.
  • Find examples of each device in published works.
  • Practice using these devices in your own writing.
Read 'On Writing' by Stephen King
Gain insights into the writing process from a successful author and improve your own writing habits.
Show steps
  • Read the book carefully, taking notes on key advice.
  • Reflect on how King's advice applies to your own writing.
  • Implement some of King's techniques in your writing practice.
Develop a Character Profile
Deepen your understanding of character development by creating a detailed profile for a fictional character.
Show steps
  • Choose a character archetype or create a unique one.
  • Develop the character's backstory, motivations, and flaws.
  • Write a short scene showcasing the character's personality.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Critique Partner Exchange
Improve your writing through constructive feedback from a peer.
Show steps
  • Find a critique partner or group.
  • Exchange writing samples with your partner.
  • Provide thoughtful and constructive feedback on your partner's work.
  • Receive and consider feedback on your own writing.
Write a Short Story
Apply the concepts learned in the course by writing a complete short story.
Show steps
  • Brainstorm ideas for your story, focusing on theme and plot.
  • Outline the story's structure, including exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.
  • Write the first draft, focusing on getting the story down on paper.
  • Revise and edit your story for clarity, pacing, and impact.
Read 'Save the Cat! Writes a Novel'
Learn about story structure and pacing from a popular novel-writing guide.
Show steps
  • Read the book and familiarize yourself with the 'Save the Cat!' method.
  • Apply the method to a story idea or existing draft.
  • Analyze how the 'Save the Cat!' method can improve your story's structure.
Create a Writing Portfolio
Showcase your best writing and demonstrate your skills to potential clients or employers.
Show steps
  • Select your best writing samples, showcasing a range of styles and genres.
  • Create a professional website or online portfolio.
  • Write a compelling artist statement or bio.
  • Promote your portfolio to potential clients or employers.

Career center

Learners who complete Complete Creative Writing Megacourse: Beginner to Expert will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Novelist
A novelist writes long-form fictional narratives, typically involving complex characters and intricate plots. This course directly benefits aspiring novelists, since it is designed to start one from zero ground and advance to the level of hero writers. It teaches how to create a story from scratch. The course syllabus directly covers how to turn ideas into a full-length novel, as well as how to craft a plot and develop convincing characters with backstory, familiar story, and antecedents. Also, learning how to write a synopsis is essential for novelists in pitching and planning their works.
Author
An author crafts original written works, such as novels, short stories, and essays. This course helps build a foundation in creative writing, covering various styles, methods, and techniques applicable to both fiction and nonfiction. The course syllabus includes sections on developing plots and characters, which are essential skills for any author. Understanding how to structure a story, create compelling characters, and develop a unique writing style are all directly addressed in the course, providing valuable insights for aspiring authors aiming to captivate readers with their storytelling.
Screenwriter
A screenwriter crafts scripts for movies or television, translating ideas into visual narratives. This course directly supports a career as a screenwriter because it teaches how to create a script for a movie, as well as how to devise plots and develop characters with backstory and familiar story elements. The course specifically addresses the instruments of writing, like plot and style. With the help of this course screenwriters gain practical experience in structuring scenes and screenplays.
Poet
A poet crafts evocative and imaginative verse, exploring themes and emotions through language. Aspiring poets will benefit from this course, which will teach them how to use the instruments of writing such as plot, form, rhythm, tone, style and introductions. The course explores the poetic form. By taking the course, learners create a writing routine and find their own style. They also come to understand the principles of a poem: the text and subtext.
Playwright
A playwright writes scripts for stage performances, focusing on dialogue and character interaction. The course helps aspiring playwrights learn how to create compelling narratives and engaging characters. Playwrights will learn to write a script for a play, and how to develop character arcs. The course emphasizes the importance of understanding subtext, and this is particularly valuable for writing believable dialogue. Playwrights will learn about different writing styles.
Game Writer
A game writer creates narratives, dialogue, and lore for video games, enhancing the player's experience. This course can assist aspiring game writers in developing their storytelling abilities for interactive media. Game Writer's can use the course's modules on character development, plot structuring, and creating engaging storylines provide a strong base for crafting compelling game narratives. Knowledge such as how to create a plot, and how to develop character are highly prized in the industry.
Biographer
A biographer researches and writes detailed accounts of individuals' lives, providing insights into their experiences and legacies. This course helps aspiring biographers develop skills in creative writing, which can enhance their storytelling abilities. The course will help with setting a writing routine. Biographers will learn how to develop characters, but also how to develop a story or plot. These are essential for making a biography readable and engaging.
Creative Writing Professor
Creative writing professors teach and mentor students in the art of creative writing at the college or university level. While often requiring a master's degree, this course gives instructors new ways of teaching creative writing, from helping students find ideas, developing structure, rhythm and style. The course covers the principles of text and subtext. Creative writing professors frequently want to stay on top of new forms of writing, and this course can help them do so. The instruction in this course helps professors develop their own capacity for creativity, which helps inform their instruction.
Content Writer
A content writer creates engaging and informative written material for websites, blogs, and marketing campaigns. This course may be useful to content writers who need to write compelling copy and develop different styles and tones. The syllabus helps them explore various writing styles and refine their ability to capture and express ideas effectively. Content writers frequently need to present information in creative and engaging ways, and this course provides instruction on how to create a story from scratch, and catch ideas from daily life, which supports a writer in coming up with new content ideas.
Copywriter
A copywriter crafts persuasive marketing and advertising materials. This course may be useful in a copywriter's career because it provides a foundation in creative writing techniques that are applicable to persuasive writing. The course touches on various writing styles, and explores how to catch ideas from daily life. Both are essential for creating compelling copy. Copywriters benefit from a course that goes over the instruments of writing, such as tone and style, because they all help in writing stronger advertisements and appeals.
Editor
Editors review and revise written content to ensure accuracy, clarity, and consistency. This course may be useful to editors looking to enhance their understanding of the creative process. By gaining insights into how writers develop plots, characters, and themes, editors can provide more effective feedback and improve their ability to identify areas for improvement. The course might help editors know what to tell authors, how to find their own structure, and how to help authors block writer's block.
Blogger
A blogger creates content for a blog, writing on specific topics of expertise. This course may be useful for bloggers trying to hone their craft. The course will likely help develop a blogger's ability to catch ideas from daily life and translate them into compelling posts. This will make it easier to create a writing routine. Bloggers will benefit from a course that goes over the instruments of writing, such as tone and style, because those are the main ingredients of an engaging blog.
Lyricist
A lyricist writes the words for songs, focusing on rhythm, rhyme, and emotional expression. This course might be helpful for lyricists who need to learn many of the core competencies of other writers, such as creating a story from scratch, developing their own characters, and learning how to catch ideas from daily life. The course will teach a lyricist to use instruments of writing: plot, form, rhythm, tone, style and introduction. These are the essential ingredients of lyrics themselves.
Technical Writer
A technical writer creates clear and concise documentation for technical products and services. While not explicitly focused on technical writing, this course may be beneficial for technical writers who require some foundational writing skills. The course can assist technical writers in developing a structured approach to presenting information and creating engaging characters within documentation if the situation calls for it. Technical writers will find value in the modules on style and structure to help create clear, concise, and engaging documentation.
Literary Agent
A literary agent represents authors and sells their work to publishers, and they often require an advanced degree. While not directly related to the tasks of a literary agent, this course may be helpful for gaining a deeper understanding of the creative writing process from the author's perspective. This course touches on topics like plot, characters, and themes, allowing the agent to better evaluate submissions and understand the challenges that authors face. It will help literary agents get a better sense of how to write a story.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Complete Creative Writing Megacourse: Beginner to Expert.
Jessica Brody's 'Save the Cat! Writes a Novel' adapts Blake Snyder's screenwriting principles to novel writing. It provides a clear, structured approach to plotting and pacing a novel, using familiar story beats. is particularly helpful for understanding narrative structure and ensuring your story has a compelling arc, which builds upon the course's lessons on plot and structure.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser