They say there’s at least one great novel in all of us just waiting to be released. Could yours be the next bestseller? If you love writing, this course is sure to kickstart your creative writing career.
The Certificate of Creative Writing is a professional development opportunity for aspiring authors that will provide the knowledge, skills and techniques required to create compelling fiction and creative non-fiction.
In this online creative writing course, you will discover the scope and nature of creative writing, writing methodologies and techniques, research and writing inspiration, story and character development and how to write realistic dialogue.
You will hone your creative writing skills, including how to kick-start your writing process, boost your writing confidence and learn how to develop compelling characters.
Throughout the course, you will have the opportunity to analyse texts, write feature articles, construct outlines of fiction stories, plan writing projects, undertake research and prepare a portfolio of creative writing ready for submission to publishers.
On completion of this course, you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills required to successfully distribute and sell your creative writing pieces.
Course Structure
Unit - Creative Writing
Unit 1 – Introduction
- What is creative writing
- What’s different about creative writing
- Information and creativity
- Creative genres
- Forms of Writing
- Form
- Structure
- Purpose
- Creative Writing resources
- What is needed for success
- The business of writing
- Getting published
- Self publishing
- Vanity publishing
- Terminology
Unit 2 – Basic Creative Writing Skills
- Words and their proper use
- Types of language
- Informative language
- Persuasive language
- Imaginative language
- Literal language
- Figurative language
- Formal language
- Colloquial language
- Parts of language (nouns, pronouns, verbs, adverbs, prepositions, plurals, possessive nouns & pronouns, gender, adjectives, articles)
- Common grammatical errors (fragmented sentences, run on sentences, comma splices, dangling modifiers).
- Run on sentences
- Irregular verbs
- Whom or who
- Pronouns and Antecedents
- Punctuation
- Creating and critiquing
- Generating ideas
- Developing ideas
- Narrative theory
- Storyline
- Narrative structure
- Settings or scenes
- Mood or atmosphere
- Time
- Voice
- Point of view
- Creative reading
Unit 3 – Using Concise Clear Language
- Slice of life fiction
- Conciseness and Succinctness
- Understanding ambiguity
- Causes of ambiguity
- Doubt and ambiguity
- Hinge points and ambiguity
- Defamiliarisation
Unit 4 – Planning What You Write
- Writing routine
- Establishing a theme
- Organising ideas
- Paragraphing
- Writing a synopsis
- Titles
- Developing objectives
Unit 5 – Writing Fiction
- Elements
- Clues
- Signs
- Common errors
- Scope or Range
- Theme problems
- Authenticity problems
- Tone problems
Unit 6 – Writing Non-fiction
- Creative non fiction
- Scope
- Developing ideas
- Narration
- Story line
- Deduction
- Induction
- Classical Development
- Chronological development
- Analogy
- Cause and effect
- Classification
- Comparison and contrast
- Definition
- Analysis
- Developing a profile
- Interviews
Unit 7 – Newspaper Writing
- What to write
- Scope
- News values
- Writing guidelines
- Regular columns
- Fillers
Unit 8 – Writing for Magazines
- Scope of magazine writing
- What publishers want
- Magazine articles
- Travel writing
- Writing for public relations
- Selling your work
Unit 9 – Writing Books
- Themes
- Consistency
- Believability
- Variety
- Getting started
- Getting a contract
- Book publishing
- Non fiction books
- Fact finding
Unit 10 – Special Project
- Organising a portfolio to sell yourself
Study Hours
Estimated duration 50 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Testimonials
It was a good experience and I learnt a lot from my course
A.King, Mountain Creek, QLD | The Creative Writing Program
I really enjoyed this course. There were lots of enjoyable parts doing writing that I love, such as novel writing. There were some lessons where I had to write magazine articles, which I rarely write. I really loved this course.
Phoebe I Gympie, QLD I The Creative Writing program
About Us
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrol Online: Enrol Now
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Enrol via Purchase Order/Tax Invoice
Enrolling Multiple Staff?
To enrol multiple staff, please complete the Employer Enrolment Form. We’ll be in touch within 60 minutes during business hours!
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and EFT/Direct Deposit. Please allow 1-2 Business days for processing for EFT and BPAY.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18. In some circumstances, enrolments from younger people may be considered. Please complete the AOC Parent Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling and submit here.
Are there any computer requirements?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
- Writer
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