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Derek Neale, Jane Elmor, Lucy Yates, and Shanta Everington

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course is intended for those with an interest in starting to write fiction or improving their fiction writing, and does not require any previous experience of studying this subject. Please be aware that participation in this course involves reviewing work posted by other learners. You may find some material used in these stories is of an adult nature (e.g. language, sex, violence) and although captured in context, may offend. Learners on this course are instructed to place warnings at the top of their work to indicate use of such content. Recommended for learners age 16+. You can use the hashtag #FLfiction19 to talk about this course on social media.

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Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course is intended for those with an interest in starting to write fiction or improving their fiction writing, and does not require any previous experience of studying this subject. Please be aware that participation in this course involves reviewing work posted by other learners. You may find some material used in these stories is of an adult nature (e.g. language, sex, violence) and although captured in context, may offend. Learners on this course are instructed to place warnings at the top of their work to indicate use of such content. Recommended for learners age 16+. You can use the hashtag #FLfiction19 to talk about this course on social media.

Topics Covered

  • 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

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Reviews summary

Foundational fiction writing with peer feedback

According to learners, this course offers a solid foundation for starting fiction writing. Students appreciate the focus on practical skills like character creation and writing practice. A key strength highlighted is the peer review process, which many found to be invaluable for improving their work and seeing different perspectives. The course is widely seen as suitable for beginners with no prior experience.
Potential for mature themes in peer work.
"Be aware some of the stories shared in peer review contain mature or adult themes."
"Appreciated the warning given about potential adult content."
"Encountered some challenging material during the peer review stage."
Excellent starting point for new writers.
"This course is perfect if you're just starting out with fiction writing."
"Didn't need any prior experience; the course was very accessible."
"Very easy to follow for novices and covers all the basics needed."
Course provides ample writing opportunities.
"There were plenty of opportunities built into the course to actually practice writing."
"The assignments really encouraged me to just sit down and write."
"Liked the varied writing prompts and exercises included in the modules."
Provides solid techniques for creating characters.
"I learned so much about building believable characters from the lessons here."
"The exercises focused on character creation were particularly helpful for me."
"Found new and effective ways to think about character motivations and backstories."
Peer review process significantly aids improvement.
"Getting feedback from other learners was an absolutely invaluable part of the course."
"The peer reviews helped me see my work from a completely new perspective."
"The workshop element is a crucial and beneficial component of the learning."

Activities

Coming soon We're preparing activities for Start Writing Fiction. These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.

Career center

Learners who complete Start Writing Fiction will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We haven't picked any books for this reading list yet.
This inspiring and practical guide to creativity offers exercises and advice for aspiring writers on developing a consistent creative practice.
Lamott provides warm, witty, and insightful guidance on the writing process. The book is known for its encouraging tone and practical advice on tackling large projects by breaking them down into smaller, manageable parts ('bird by bird'). It's excellent for overcoming writer's block and perfectionism.
A concise and classic guide to the principles of plain English style and usage. While not solely focused on creative writing, its fundamental rules on grammar, syntax, and composition are essential for any writer. It serves as a valuable reference tool for clarity and conciseness.
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Considered a definitive guide to storytelling, this book delves into the fundamental principles of narrative structure and character development. While aimed at screenwriters, its insights are widely applicable to fiction writing in general. It's a comprehensive resource for understanding the mechanics of a compelling story.
Le Guin, a renowned fiction writer, provides practical lessons and exercises on the craft of writing, focusing on elements like sentence variation, point of view, and voice. It's a valuable guide for writers looking to refine their prose and develop a stronger command of narrative technique.
Based on a series of lectures, Forster's work explores various elements of the novel form, including story, plot, characters, fantasy, and prophecy. It offers a literary perspective on the craft and can deepen a writer's understanding of fictional techniques through analysis of classic works.
Pinker, a cognitive scientist and linguist, applies scientific understanding to the principles of effective writing. The book offers a modern approach to style, clarity, and grammar, making it relevant for contemporary writers. It's a useful resource for those interested in the cognitive aspects of language and writing.
Challenges the conventional wisdom of outlining and advocates for writing by discovery. Smith, a prolific author, shares his method for completing novels without a rigid plan, emphasizing creativity and momentum. It's a valuable perspective for writers who feel constrained by traditional outlining techniques.
Salesses critically examines traditional creative writing workshop models and advocates for a more inclusive and culturally aware approach to teaching and evaluating fiction. is highly relevant for contemporary discussions on craft, perspective, and the politics of writing. It's particularly valuable for those in academic writing programs or workshops.
This comprehensive guide covers various aspects of creative writing, including fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. It offers a blend of instruction, examples, and exercises, making it suitable as a textbook for introductory to intermediate creative writing courses.
Dillard reflects on the realities, challenges, and rewards of the writing life with poetic prose and sharp observations. is less of a how-to guide and more of a meditation on the dedication and perseverance required to be a writer. It's inspiring and provides a realistic view of the writing profession.
Cron's book focuses on the internal struggles of the protagonist and uses principles of cognitive science to help writers create compelling characters and plots driven by internal conflict. It offers a brain-centric approach to story development, which can be particularly helpful for novelists.
This popular book presents a beat sheet method for structuring screenplays, focusing on key plot points and their placement. While primarily for screenwriting, its principles of story structure can be adapted for fiction writing and are widely used in the industry.
Maass focuses on creating fiction that deeply resonates with readers on an emotional level. The book provides techniques for developing emotional depth in characters and plots. It's a valuable resource for writers looking to enhance the emotional impact of their work.
A widely used textbook in creative writing programs, this book covers fundamental elements of fiction writing such as point of view, character, setting, and theme. It provides clear explanations and examples, making it suitable for students and those seeking a structured approach to learning fiction craft.

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