Creative Writing Foundations: Unlock Your Story

Course outline

A clear route from first principles to practical confidence

1. 01

   Module 1: Where to Begin – Finding Your Starting Point

   • What is creative writing? A broad and welcoming view
   • Setting your personal writing intentions
   • Overcoming the blank page: simple warm-up exercises
   • Reading as a writer: what to notice in your favourite books
   • Creating a sustainable writing habit
2. 02

   Module 2: The Building Blocks – Words, Sentences, and Rhythm

   • Choosing precise and vivid words
   • Varying sentence length for effect
   • The music of language: rhythm and repetition
   • Showing versus telling: a practical introduction
   • Exercise: rewriting a dull paragraph
3. 03

   Module 3: Crafting Memorable Characters

   • What makes a character feel real?
   • Building backstory without info-dumping
   • Dialogue that reveals personality
   • Character voice: making each person distinct
   • Exercise: writing a character sketch
4. 04

   Module 4: Setting and Atmosphere – Bringing Worlds to Life

   • The role of setting in storytelling
   • Engaging the five senses on the page
   • Using weather, time, and objects to create atmosphere
   • Setting as a reflection of character
   • Exercise: describing a familiar place anew
5. 05

   Module 5: Plot and Structure – Shaping Your Story

   • What is plot? Cause, effect, and change
   • The classic three-act structure
   • Alternative structures: circular, episodic, and in media res
   • Pacing: when to speed up and slow down
   • Exercise: mapping a simple story arc
6. 06

   Module 6: Point of View – Whose Story Is It?

   • First person: intimacy and limitation
   • Third person limited: close but flexible
   • Third person omniscient: the god's-eye view
   • Second person and experimental perspectives
   • Exercise: rewriting a scene from a different POV
7. 07

   Module 7: Writing Dialogue That Works

   • The difference between real speech and written dialogue
   • Using subtext: what characters don't say
   • Dialogue tags and beats
   • Dialogue for conflict and revelation
   • Exercise: writing a two-character conversation
8. 08

   Module 8: The Art of Revision – Making Your Draft Stronger

   • Why revision matters more than first drafts
   • The big-picture edit: structure and clarity
   • Line editing: tightening sentences and cutting clutter
   • Getting and giving constructive feedback
   • Exercise: revising a short passage
9. 09

   Module 9: Exploring Genres – Finding Your Form

   • Short stories: compression and impact
   • Flash fiction: writing with extreme brevity
   • Creative non-fiction: true stories, artfully told
   • Poetry basics: image, line, and emotion
   • Exercise: trying a genre you've never attempted
10. 10

    Module 10: Overcoming Blocks and Staying Inspired

    • Common writing blocks and how to sidestep them
    • Using prompts, constraints, and games
    • Building a supportive writing community
    • Dealing with self-doubt and perfectionism
    • Exercise: creating your own personal prompt bank
11. 11

    Module 11: Preparing Your Work for Readers

    • Proofreading basics: common UK English pitfalls
    • Formatting your manuscript simply and clearly
    • Writing a compelling synopsis or blurb
    • Where to share: open mics, workshops, and online platforms
    • Exercise: final polish of your chosen piece
12. 12

    Module 12: Your Next Steps as a Writer

    • Reflecting on your progress and favourite techniques
    • Setting realistic writing goals for the future
    • Exploring further reading and resources
    • Building a sustainable writing practice
    • Celebrating your achievements and sharing your work