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Creative Writing

The Craft of Style

Your style is as unique and distinctive as your face, your voice, except that you can choose it, you can can work on it, enhance it. In this course we will introduce aspiring writers to the art of putting pressure on written language. We will study the use of metaphor and imagery, and demonstrate how clarity, grace, and inventiveness in word choice are imperative to a story’s success. Writers will emerge with the revision skills essential to all writers of good stories and good prose.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Meaning, Sense, and Clarity

Here in the first module we focus on putting pressure on your words so that they mean what you intend. We balance abstraction with the need to make good sense. And we discuss the first and last stylistic difficulty of any prose writer, being clear.

Writing with Nouns and Verbs

In the second module we look at the various parts of speech and how two of them—nouns and verbs—are the building blocks of good style and good narratives. By relying on nouns, we make the people, places, and things of the narrative world vivid. By relying on verbs we keep the story alive and in motion.

Economy

In the third module, having practiced putting words in, we learn to take them out. And why: for humor, for clarity, for cleanliness, and for that fleet quality of wit that makes a style irresistible.

"No Ideas But in Things"

In the the final module of the course, we learn to balance the drive to get at ideas and feelings, with the need the story always has for concreteness, realness. We learn to express ideas in the form of physical things in a narrative world, to produce a style that speaks as much to the world of the senses as to the world of the mind.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches how clarity, grace, and inventiveness in word choice are imperative to a story's success

Taught by the well-known Salvatore Scibona

Develops revision skills essential to all writers of good stories and good prose

Deepens an existing foundation for intermediate learners

Covers essential writing techniques for aspiring writers

Examines how to express ideas in the form of physical things in a narrative world

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Reviews summary

Craft of style in creative writing

learners say this course is largely positive. This engaging course guides learners through the basics of the craft of style in creative writing. Led by a knowledgeable and passionate instructor, learners discover the power of precise language and clear, engaging prose to convey a story more effectively. Through interactive writing exercises, learners refine their writing and storytelling skills while receiving constructive feedback that aids in their progress.

Course resources are well-curated and support learning.

"The course materials, including video lectures, readings, and additional resources, were well-curated and thoughtfully selected."

"They provided a wealth of information, examples, and inspiration to support my learning journey."

Course presents a challenge but also supports mastery of concepts.

"Great course for the self-paced, self-managing student."

"I felt that this module requires a mastering of basic knowledge that I didn't have, as a beginner, and despite having gone through all the previous courses."

"The degree of difficulty of the subjject goes up as one moves on."

Assignments push learners to experiment with techniques and styles.

"The writing exercises and assignments allowed me to practice what I had learned, giving me a chance to receive constructive feedback from both the instructor and fellow students."

"The assignments were also the most challenging, but that, to me, made them more interesting; one needs to push oneself more, go back and review what was taught in the other courses in the specialization."

Instructor is knowledgeable, passionate, and inspires learners.

"The instructor is incredibly erudite and poetic, which made this module more challenging for me (beginner)."

"From the very beginning, I was captivated by the instructor's engaging teaching style. Their extensive knowledge and expertise in the field of creative writing were evident throughout the course."

"What truly stood out for me was the course's ability to inspire and ignite my personal future screenwriting career."

Peer feedback is often limited or unhelpful.

"The most frustrating aspect of the learning platform is the peer feedback system. To be a good writer, one needs to hear critical feedback from readers that will help the writer hone their skills."

"In each of the four courses, the "feedback" was beyond weak, nearly non-existent."

"I understand that there may not be enough submitted assignments at any given time, but I would prefer to wait and receive fresh assignments so that my feedback might actually help the writer improve their skills."

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 Creative Writing: The Craft of Style with these activities:

Revise Elements of Style

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Practice and review the grammar concepts required for clear and concise writing.

Browse courses on Punctuation

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Review the rules for commas, periods, and colons.
Complete exercises on sentence structure and clarity.

Read Fiction and Non-Fiction

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Gain inspiration and insights from diverse authors and genres of literature.

View The Elements of Style, Fourth Edition on Amazon

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Read novels, short stories, and essays.
Analyze the techniques used by different writers.
Identify elements of writing that resonate with you.

Writing Exercises

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Develop writing fluency and strengthen writing abilities through regular practice.

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Write short stories or essays based on prompts.
Practice writing different types of prose, such as descriptive, narrative, and persuasive.
Revise and edit your own writing.

Five other activities

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Peer Writing Workshops

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Enhance critical thinking and writing skills by providing and receiving feedback from peers.

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Form small writing groups.
Exchange writing samples for review.
Provide constructive criticism and suggestions.

Explore Advanced Writing Techniques

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Enhance narrative writing skills by learning and practicing advanced writing techniques.

Browse courses on Figurative Language

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Watch online tutorials on using metaphors and similes.
Practice creating vivid and memorable characters.
Experiment with different story structures.

Write a Short Story or Essay

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Challenge yourself to create and produce a complete piece of writing, embodying the skills and techniques learned.

Browse courses on Writing

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Choose a topic or theme and develop an outline.
Write a draft and refine it.
Get feedback from peers or instructors.
Revise and finalize your piece.

Create a Writing Portfolio

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Gather and organize your written work to showcase your abilities and progress as a writer.

Browse courses on Portfolio

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Select your best pieces of writing.
Create a professional portfolio.
Update your portfolio regularly.

Become a Writing Mentor

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Enhance communication and teaching skills while helping others develop their writing abilities.

Browse courses on Writing

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Offer to mentor aspiring writers.
Provide guidance, feedback, and support.
Share your own writing experiences and knowledge.

Career center

Learners who complete Creative Writing: The Craft of Style will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Professor of Creative Writing

Professors of Creative Writing teach courses in creative writing at colleges and universities. A course on creative writing can help Professors of Creative Writing develop the skills they need to teach students how to write effectively. This course will help Professors of Creative Writing learn how to develop lesson plans, how to assess student work, and how to create a positive and supportive learning environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Professor of Creative Writing

Technical Writer

Technical Writers create and edit technical documentation, such as user manuals, software documentation, and white papers. A course on creative writing can help Technical Writers develop the skills they need to write clear, concise, and accurate technical documentation. This course will help Technical Writers learn how to research and gather information, how to organize and structure technical documentation, and how to write for a variety of audiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Editor

Editors review, edit, and proofread written content for a variety of purposes, including books, magazines, newspapers, and websites. A course on creative writing can help Editors develop the skills they need to identify and correct errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation. This course will also help Editors learn how to improve the clarity and conciseness of written content.

See salaries and explore the career path for Editor

Freelance Writer

Freelance Writers are self-employed writers who offer their services to clients on a project-by-project basis. A course on creative writing can help Freelance Writers develop the skills they need to write high-quality content that meets the needs of their clients. This course will help Freelance Writers learn how to find and pitch clients, how to develop a strong writing portfolio, and how to manage their time and finances effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Freelance Writer

Content Writer

Content Writers create and edit written content for a variety of purposes, including websites, blogs, social media, and marketing materials. A course on creative writing can help Content Writers develop the skills they need to write engaging and informative content that meets the needs of their audience. This course will help Content Writers learn how to craft compelling headlines, write in a clear and concise style, and optimize their writing for search engines.

See salaries and explore the career path for Content Writer

Speechwriter

Speechwriters write speeches for public figures, such as politicians, business leaders, and celebrities. A course on creative writing can help Speechwriters develop the skills they need to write speeches that are clear, concise, and persuasive. This course will help Speechwriters learn how to research and gather information, how to develop a strong speech structure, and how to write for a variety of audiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Speechwriter

Copywriter

Copywriters use their writing skills to persuade, inform, or entertain audiences on behalf of clients. A course on creative writing can help Copywriters develop the skills they need to write compelling and effective copy that meets the needs of their clients. This course will help Copywriters learn how to use language effectively, how to develop a clear and concise writing style, and how to write for different audiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Copywriter

Grant Writer

Grant Writers write proposals to secure funding for nonprofit organizations and government agencies. A course on creative writing can help Grant Writers develop the skills they need to write compelling and persuasive proposals. This course will help Grant Writers learn how to research and identify funding opportunities, how to develop a strong grant proposal, and how to manage the grant writing process.

See salaries and explore the career path for Grant Writer

Screenwriter

Screenwriters write and sell screenplays for movies and television shows. A course on creative writing can help Screenwriters develop the skills they need to write compelling and marketable screenplays. This course will help Screenwriters learn how to develop characters, write dialogue, and structure a screenplay.

See salaries and explore the career path for Screenwriter

Poet

Poets write and publish poems. A course on creative writing can help Poets develop the skills they need to write beautiful and evocative poems. This course will help Poets learn how to use language effectively, how to develop a unique voice, and how to write for a variety of audiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Poet

Novelist

Novelists write and publish novels. A course on creative writing can help Novelists develop the skills they need to write compelling and engaging stories. This course will help Novelists learn how to create characters, develop plots, and write in a clear and concise style.

See salaries and explore the career path for Novelist

Teacher of English

Teachers of English teach English language and literature at the secondary school level. A course on creative writing can help Teachers of English develop the skills they need to teach students how to write effectively. This course will help Teachers of English learn how to develop lesson plans, how to assess student work, and how to create a positive and supportive learning environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher of English

Journalist

Journalists write and report on news and current events. A course on creative writing can help Journalists develop the skills they need to write clear, concise, and accurate news stories. This course will help Journalists learn how to research and gather information, how to interview sources, and how to write for a variety of audiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

Researcher

Researchers conduct research and write reports on a variety of topics. A course on creative writing can help Researchers develop the skills they need to write clear, concise, and accurate research reports. This course will help Researchers learn how to research and gather information, how to organize and structure research reports, and how to write for a variety of audiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Researcher

Librarian

Librarians help people find and access information. A course on creative writing can help Librarians develop the skills they need to write clear, concise, and informative library materials. This course will help Librarians learn how to research and gather information, how to organize and structure library materials, and how to write for a variety of audiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Librarian

Reading list

We've selected 16 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 Creative Writing: The Craft of Style.

Teaching Mathematics Using Interactive Mapping

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This classic guide to writing style must-read for any aspiring writer. It offers clear and concise advice on how to improve your writing in terms of clarity, grace, and effectiveness.

Creative Writing

The Craft of Style

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Reviews summary

Craft of style in creative writing

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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