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

Course image

Creative Writing

The Craft of Setting and Description

Course image

4.7

Based on 1,373 ratings

, see reviews

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.

Or subscribe to Coursera Plus

And get unlimited access to Coursera

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.

Valid until March 12, 2027

Save 40% Off 3 Months

Access thousands of top-rated learning programs with a Coursera Plus monthly subscription and take 40% off 3 months for a limited time.

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

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

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.

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

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Author

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Creative Director

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Editor

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Planner

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Interior designer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Landscape Architect

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Museum curator

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Photographer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Designer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Screenwriter

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner

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.

Cover image

Cover image

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.

Do It Anyway: Don't Give Up Before It Gets Good

Do It Anyway Devotional: 60 Days to a Bolder Faith

Do It Anyway: Don't Give Up Before It Gets Good

Do It Anyway Devotional: 60 Days to a Bolder Faith

Cover image

Cover image

L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future...

Save

Provides a comprehensive guide to writing vivid and immersive descriptions, covering topics such as sensory details, figurative language, and the use of research.

L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future...

L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future...

Cover image

Cover image

FLASH!: Writing the Very Short Story

Save

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.

FLASH!: Writing the Very Short Story

FLASH!: Writing the Very Short Story

Cover image

Cover image

The Art of Description

Save

Explores the aesthetics and techniques of description in literature, offering insights into how writers create compelling and memorable sensory experiences for readers.

The Art of Description: World into Word

The Art of Description: World into Word (Art of...)

Cover image

Cover image

The Elements of Style

Save

This classic guide to writing offers timeless advice on clarity, conciseness, and effective use of language, which are essential elements for creating compelling descriptions.

The Elements of Style

The Elements of Style

Cover image

Cover image

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.

On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft (A Memoir of the...

Secret Windows: Essays and Fiction on the Craft of...

Where Nightmares Come From: The Art of Storytelling...

On Writing by King, Stephen (2012) Paperback

(Español) Mientras escribo: Memorias de un oficio / On...

Stephen King Collection 3 Books Set (The Stand,...

(Italiano) On Writing: Autobiografia di un mestiere (Italian...

(Deutsch) Das Leben und das Schreiben: Memoiren (German...

On Writing: A Memoir Of The Craft

Stephen King Collection 4 Books Set (The Outsider,...

Cover image

Cover image

The Writer's Journey - 25th Anniversary Edition -...

Save

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.

The Writer's Journey - 25th Anniversary Edition -...

The Writer's Journey - 25th Anniversary Edition -...

Share

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

Copy Link

Similar courses

Here are nine courses similar to Creative Writing: The Craft of Setting and Description.

Data Storytelling

Data Storytelling

Storying the Self: Telling our Stories

Storying the Self: Telling our Stories

Explore Management Concepts through Metaphor and Music

Explore Management Concepts through Metaphor and Music

Working with the Media

Working with the Media

Design and innovation of business model

Design and innovation of business model

Accomplishment STAR Techniques for Job Interviews

Accomplishment STAR Techniques for Job Interviews

Montaggio video per tutti con Adobe Premiere Pro: Corso Base

Montaggio video per tutti con Adobe Premiere Pro: Corso...

Songwriting: Writing the Music

Songwriting: Writing the Music

Foundations for Interviewing with Confidence

Foundations for Interviewing with Confidence

Coursera Buyer Protection & Guarantee

Verified partner policies & purchase protections

Accredited University Partner

Free Trial & Audit

7-Day Free Trial & Free Audit

7-day free trial on monthly Coursera Plus subscriptions; free audit option available on most individual courses to explore video lectures and readings at no charge.

Return & Refund Policy

14-Day Refund Guarantee

14-day refund window on annual Coursera Plus subscriptions and single-course purchases prior to certificate issuance. Monthly subscriptions do not offer refunds once billed.

Buyer Protections

Verified Academic & Industry Partner

Accredited university and industry certifications (e.g. Stanford, Google, IBM, Yale), secure SSL payment processing, and verifiable digital certificate links.

Key Purchase Protections

14-day refund window on annual Coursera Plus and single courses

7-day free trial on monthly Coursera Plus subscriptions

Free course audit option for lectures and readings

Verified certificates from top universities & companies

OpenCourser Verified Partner Policy details last reviewed: 2026-10-22

Course image

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

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

Share this

Share to help others discover this course.

Link

Begin learning today

Enroll now to gain full access to Creative Writing.

Enroll now Enroll in this course

Save for later

Add this course to your list. Find it anytime.

Save

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