We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Amity Gaige
In this course aspiring writers will be introduced to the techniques that masters of fiction use to ground a story in a concrete world. From the most realist settings to the most fantastical, writers will learn how to describe the physical world in sharp, sensory detail. We will also learn how to build credibility through research, and to use creative meditation exercises to deepen our own understanding of our story worlds, so that our readers can see all that we imagine.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/yesycz/creative
Here's a deal for you
Save money when you learn with a deal that may be relevant to this course.
All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.
Get offer
What's inside
Syllabus
Persuasive Settings: Why Description Matters
Writing a great short story is like conveying a dream. As we will see from studying one famous master, a "persuasive" setting is necessary in order to build mood, character, and even plot.
Read more
Syllabus
Persuasive Settings: Why Description Matters
Writing a great short story is like conveying a dream. As we will see from studying one famous master, a "persuasive" setting is necessary in order to build mood, character, and even plot.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Strengthens an existing foundation for intermediate learners
Develops professional skills or deep expertise in a particular topic or set of topics
Taught by Amity Gaige, who are recognized for their work in fiction
Builds a strong foundation for beginners
Teaches skills, knowledge, and/or tools that are highly relevant to industry
Teaches skills, knowledge, and/or tools that are useful for personal growth and development
Save this course
Create your own learning path.
Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save
Save
Reviews summary
Mastering setting and description in writing
According to learners, this course on creative writing craft is largely well-received, offering effective techniques for enriching story settings and descriptions. Students particularly praise the engaging lectures and practical exercises, including unique meditation exercises, which help ground writing in sensory detail. It is often cited as providing a solid foundation, making it good for beginners or those looking to refine their craft. While the core content is highly valued, some mention that the quality of peer feedback can be variable.
Provides a solid starting point for new writers.
"As someone new to creative writing, I found this course incredibly helpful."
"It gave me a great starting point for thinking about setting."
"Very accessible even if you haven't focused on craft before."
Exercises, including meditation, reinforce learning.
"The writing exercises were hands-on and helped solidify the concepts."
"I especially appreciated the guided meditation exercises, they were unique."
"Completing the assignments really pushed me to practice the techniques."
Instructor makes complex ideas accessible and inspiring.
"The lectures were really engaging and made complex ideas easy to grasp."
"I loved the instructor's style; it was very inspiring."
"Each video lecture provided valuable insights I could immediately apply."
Provides practical methods to improve descriptions.
"The methods taught here genuinely helped me add depth and sensory detail to my scenes."
"I learned techniques for describing the physical world in sharp, sensory detail."
"My descriptions are much more vivid and grounded now after taking this course."
Quality of peer reviews can be inconsistent.
"Some peer reviews were insightful, but others were just minimal effort."
"It was sometimes frustrating getting feedback that wasn't very constructive."
"The peer review process is a bit hit-or-miss depending on who you get."
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 Setting and Description with these
activities:
Practice writing exercises
Show steps
Enhance writing skills by completing guiding writing exercises
Browse courses on
Writing Exercises
Show steps
-
Identify writing exercises that target specific writing techniques.
-
Set aside dedicated time to complete the exercises.
-
Review your work and reflect on your progress.
Review "Writing Fiction"
Show steps
Improve understanding of fiction writing techniques by reviewing this book during the course
View
Writing Fiction
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read 2 chapters from the book each week.
-
Take notes on key writing principles.
-
Apply the principles to your own writing.
Review "The Writing Life"
Show steps
Gain insights into the writing process and develop a strong writing mindset by reviewing this book
Show steps
-
Read a few chapters of the book each week.
-
Reflect on the author's insights and apply them to your writing journey.
-
Make notes and highlight key passages for future reference.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Write short story drafts
Show steps
Strengthen and improve writing skills by consistently writing short stories throughout the course
Show steps
-
Choose a writing prompt that captures your attention.
-
Brainstorm ideas and develop a plot outline.
-
Write a draft of the story.
-
Self-edit and revise your work.
Participate in online writing workshops
Show steps
Engage with peers by partaking in writing workshops online for valuable feedback
Show steps
-
Find online writing workshops or groups that align with your interests.
-
Attend workshop sessions regularly.
-
Share your writing and provide feedback to others.
Start a writing blog or online portfolio
Show steps
Build your writing portfolio and share your work with a wider audience by starting a writing blog or online portfolio
Browse courses on
Online Presence
Show steps
-
Choose a platform and set up your writing blog or online portfolio.
-
Develop a consistent posting schedule and publish your writing.
-
Promote your blog or portfolio on social media and other online channels.
Volunteer at a local writing organization
Show steps
Gain practical writing experience and contribute to the writing community by volunteering at a local organization
Browse courses on
Community Engagement
Show steps
-
Reach out to local writing organizations to find volunteer opportunities.
-
Inquire about available volunteer positions and responsibilities.
-
Commit to a regular volunteering schedule and fulfill your responsibilities.
Practice writing exercises
Show steps
Enhance writing skills by completing guiding writing exercises
Browse courses on
Writing Exercises
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify writing exercises that target specific writing techniques.
- Set aside dedicated time to complete the exercises.
- Review your work and reflect on your progress.
Review "Writing Fiction"
Show steps
Improve understanding of fiction writing techniques by reviewing this book during the course
View
Writing Fiction
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read 2 chapters from the book each week.
- Take notes on key writing principles.
- Apply the principles to your own writing.
Review "The Writing Life"
Show steps
Gain insights into the writing process and develop a strong writing mindset by reviewing this book
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read a few chapters of the book each week.
- Reflect on the author's insights and apply them to your writing journey.
- Make notes and highlight key passages for future reference.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Write short story drafts
Show steps
Strengthen and improve writing skills by consistently writing short stories throughout the course
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a writing prompt that captures your attention.
- Brainstorm ideas and develop a plot outline.
- Write a draft of the story.
- Self-edit and revise your work.
Participate in online writing workshops
Show steps
Engage with peers by partaking in writing workshops online for valuable feedback
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find online writing workshops or groups that align with your interests.
- Attend workshop sessions regularly.
- Share your writing and provide feedback to others.
Start a writing blog or online portfolio
Show steps
Build your writing portfolio and share your work with a wider audience by starting a writing blog or online portfolio
Browse courses on
Online Presence
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a platform and set up your writing blog or online portfolio.
- Develop a consistent posting schedule and publish your writing.
- Promote your blog or portfolio on social media and other online channels.
Volunteer at a local writing organization
Show steps
Gain practical writing experience and contribute to the writing community by volunteering at a local organization
Browse courses on
Community Engagement
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Reach out to local writing organizations to find volunteer opportunities.
- Inquire about available volunteer positions and responsibilities.
- Commit to a regular volunteering schedule and fulfill your responsibilities.
Career center
Learners who complete Creative Writing: The Craft of Setting and Description will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Author
Author
Combine your love of writing with the ability to describe the world around you in a way that evokes a sense of place. As an Author, you will create vivid, immersive settings that bring your stories to life. This course will help you develop the techniques needed to craft settings that are both believable and captivating, drawing readers into your world and leaving a lasting impression.
Creative Director
Creative Director
With your ability to create compelling descriptions and a keen eye for detail, you can excel as a Creative Director. In this role, you will be responsible for the overall vision and execution of creative projects, ensuring that they are visually stunning and emotionally resonant. This course will provide you with the tools to communicate your ideas effectively and inspire your team to bring them to life.
Editor
Editor
Combine your passion for language with your ability to provide detailed feedback. As an Editor, you will work with writers to refine their manuscripts, ensuring clarity, consistency, and impact. This course will enhance your understanding of setting and description, enabling you to provide insightful guidance to authors and help them elevate their writing to the next level.
Environmental Planner
Environmental Planner
Your ability to describe and analyze the built environment will be invaluable in the role of an Environmental Planner. You will be responsible for developing plans and policies that shape the physical spaces we inhabit, ensuring that they are sustainable, livable, and visually appealing. This course will provide you with a framework for understanding the impact of the built environment on our lives and equip you with the skills to create spaces that enhance our well-being.
Interior designer
Interior designer
Your keen eye for detail and ability to describe spaces will be essential in the role of an Interior Designer. You will be responsible for creating functional and aesthetically pleasing interiors, transforming spaces into environments that inspire and uplift. This course will provide you with the tools to develop cohesive design concepts and communicate your ideas effectively, enabling you to create beautiful and livable spaces.
Journalist
Journalist
Your ability to convey information clearly and vividly will be essential as a Journalist. You will be responsible for gathering, analyzing, and reporting news and stories, informing the public about important issues and events. This course will provide you with the skills to craft compelling narratives and paint a vivid picture of the world around you, enabling you to effectively communicate complex ideas and engage your audience.
Landscape Architect
Landscape Architect
Your understanding of setting and description will be a valuable asset in the role of a Landscape Architect. You will be responsible for designing and creating outdoor spaces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing, enhancing the beauty and livability of our communities. This course will provide you with the tools to develop sustainable and innovative landscape designs, enabling you to create spaces that connect people with nature and enrich their lives.
Marketing Manager
Marketing Manager
Your ability to create compelling descriptions and evoke emotions through language will be essential as a Marketing Manager. You will be responsible for developing and executing marketing campaigns that effectively communicate the value of products or services and drive sales. This course will provide you with the skills to craft persuasive and engaging marketing materials, enabling you to connect with your target audience and achieve your marketing goals.
Museum curator
Museum curator
Your knowledge of setting and your ability to convey information in a engaging manner will be invaluable in the role of a Museum Curator. You will be responsible for developing and managing museum exhibits, ensuring that they are both informative and engaging. This course will provide you with the skills to research and interpret historical and cultural artifacts, and to create exhibits that bring the past to life and inspire visitors.
Photographer
Photographer
Your ability to capture and convey the essence of a scene will be essential as a Photographer. You will be responsible for creating visual representations of the world around you, capturing moments and emotions that tell a story. This course will provide you with the technical and artistic skills to take stunning photographs, enabling you to create images that evoke a sense of place and inspire your audience.
Product Designer
Product Designer
Your ability to visualize and describe products will be valuable in the role of a Product Designer. You will be responsible for designing and developing products that are both functional and visually appealing, enhancing the user experience and driving sales. This course will provide you with the tools to create innovative and user-centered product designs, enabling you to create products that meet the needs and desires of your target market.
Screenwriter
Screenwriter
Your ability to create vivid settings and compelling characters will be essential as a Screenwriter. You will be responsible for writing scripts for films and television shows, bringing stories to life on the screen. This course will provide you with the tools to craft captivating screenplays, enabling you to create stories that entertain, engage, and move your audience.
Teacher
Teacher
Your ability to describe concepts clearly and engagingly will be essential as a Teacher. You will be responsible for educating students across a variety of subjects, helping them to learn and grow. This course will provide you with the skills to create lesson plans that are both informative and engaging, enabling you to effectively convey complex ideas and inspire your students to learn.
Technical Writer
Technical Writer
Your ability to translate complex technical information into clear and concise language will be essential as a Technical Writer. You will be responsible for creating user manuals, training materials, and other documentation that helps users understand and operate technical products and systems. This course will provide you with the skills to write effective technical documentation, enabling you to communicate complex information to a non-technical audience.
Urban Planner
Urban Planner
Your understanding of setting and your ability to describe the impact of the built environment on our lives will be valuable in the role of an Urban Planner. You will be responsible for planning and developing cities and towns, ensuring that they are livable, sustainable, and equitable. This course will provide you with the tools to create comprehensive urban plans, enabling you to shape the future of our communities and improve the lives of their residents.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/yesycz/creative
Reading list
We've selected seven 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 Setting and Description.
Save
This comprehensive guide to setting in fiction covers a wide range of topics, including world-building, research, and the use of setting to create atmosphere, character, and plot.
Provides a comprehensive guide to writing vivid and immersive descriptions, covering topics such as sensory details, figurative language, and the use of research.
Explores the concept of imaginative realism, providing guidance on how to create settings that are both believable and engaging, making it a valuable resource for writers of all levels.
Explores the aesthetics and techniques of description in literature, offering insights into how writers create compelling and memorable sensory experiences for readers.
This classic guide to writing offers timeless advice on clarity, conciseness, and effective use of language, which are essential elements for creating compelling descriptions.
Save
This memoir by Stephen King offers insights into his writing process, including his approach to setting and description, making it a valuable resource for aspiring writers.
This classic guide to story structure offers insights into how setting can be used to create a compelling narrative arc, making it a valuable resource for writers.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/yesycz/creative
Share
Similar courses
Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Rating
4.7
Effort
7 hours to complete
Via
Coursera
Institution
Wesleyan University
Instructor
Amity Gaige
Language
English
Transcripts
Español
Français
Português
Deutsch
Italiano
中文
العربية
한국어
日本語
हिंदी
Nederlands
Svenska
Pусский
Türkçe
Polski
Ελληνικά
українська мова
magyar nyelv
Bahasa Indonesia
ไทย
қазақша
اُردُو,
فارسی
বাংলা
tiếng Việt
پښتو
آذربایجان دیلی
српски
This course belongs to a
collection
called
Creative Writing. It's comprised of five courses:
- Creative Writing: The Craft of Character
- Creative Writing: The Craft of Setting and Description (viewing)
- Capstone: Your Story
- Creative Writing: The Craft of Plot
- Creative Writing: The Craft of Style
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