Fiction Writer Course

Fiction is writing that encompasses imaginary yet believable characters, events, and environments but can also include real places and events. A good fiction writer can skillfully weave fantasy and reality or create a world that is wholly imagined yet feels real.

If you have always dreamed of writing a novel or short stories or have recently been curious about exploring this creative world—this could be the fiction writing course for you. In this novel writing course, you will learn to write...

6 Months / 100 Course Hrs

Open Enrollment

Offered in partnership with your preferred school

Stephen F. Austin State University

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Learning method

Instructor-led

$1,295

Self-paced. Study on your own schedule

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Details + Objectives

Course code: GES2150

What you will learn

Understand the components of a fiction story, as the first step in planning a story
Determine a systematic approach to building a fiction story
Develop your ability to plan for success in the writing of a novel

How you will benefit

Enhance your writing professional development or fill gaps in your existing qualifications
Become more creative as a writing in your personal interests and passions
Expand your writing creativity and earning potential

How the course is taught

Self-paced, online course
6 Months to complete
Open enrollment, begin anytime
100 course hours

Outline

Introduction
1. What is Fiction
2. Types of Fiction
3. Genres and Tropes
Elements of a Story
1. What are Story Elements?
2. Where Do Ideas Come From?
3. Brainstorming
4. "Write What You Know"
Character
1. Protagonist vs Antagonist
2. Minor Characters
3. Character Motivation
4. Creating Realistic Characters
5. "Goodies" versus "Baddies"
Conflict
1. Why is Conflict Important in Fiction?
2. Types of Conflict
3. Using Conflict to Drive Your Story
Plot
1. "Plotters" Versus "Pantsers"
2. A Simple Approach to Plot
3. A More Detailed Plot Structure
4. Creating a Character Arc
Setting
1. The Power of Words
2. Using the Five Senses
3. Show, Don't Tell
Writing Dialogue
1. Dialogue Punctuation
2. Writing Convincing Dialogue
3. What Is Your Character's Motivation?
4. Dialogue Tags
Style
1. Past Tense Versus Present Tense
2. Point of View
3. Tone and Voice
Outlining your Story and Writing your First and Getting Your Work Out There
1. Creating a Story Outline
2. Writing the First Chapter
3. The Editing and Drafting Process
4. Getting Your Work Out into the World
5. Other Opportunities

Instructors & Support

Katrina Schroeder

Katrina Schroeder is an editor, book coach, and ghostwriter who helps aspiring writers achieve their dreams. She has worked with everyone from complete beginners to seasoned authors who already have several novels under their belt.

Katrina founded The Fiction Lab, an online writing community dedicated to fantasy and science fiction writers, and has been editing and coaching for over 14 years. She is a member of the American Copy Editors Society (ACES) and the Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA).

Katrina holds a Certificate in Editing from ACES/Poynter. She has also taken the Developmental Editing for Fiction course through the Editorial Arts Academy and the Author Accelerator program.

Requirements

Prerequisites:

There are no prerequisites to take this course. Students should have basic computer knowledge and know how to upload documents.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac. Chromebooks are not compatible.

Software Requirements:

PC: Windows 10 or later.
Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox is preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
Microsoft Word Online
Adobe Acrobat Reader
Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

FAQ

According to Indeed.com, authors in the U.S. earn $50,108 per year on average.

No.

This course is open enrollment, so you can register and start the course whenever you are ready. Access to your course can take 24-48 business hours.

After you register, you will receive 6 months to complete the course. The time allotted for completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours.

The time allotted for course completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours. However, if you are unable to complete the course, contact the student advising team to see what options you may have available to work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee may be charged.

Our courses are designed to accommodate various learning preferences. Depending on the course structure, you may get different forms of support. Self-paced courses are designed to be user-friendly and independent, minimizing the need for external support. In courses with instructors, our direct platform support feature includes opportunities for questions, discussions, and remediation, with email and phone support available for select courses. Our student advising team is available to guide you on program requirements and administrative requests, but they do not provide assistance with course content. Our goal is to provide you with the necessary support for success, whether it's through self-paced exploration, direct communication, or guidance from our advising team.

Upon successfully passing the final exam, you will be awarded a certificate of completion from the school or organization that you registered through.

ed2go courses will help you gain the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. However, you should always research the job market in your area before enrolling.

ed2go courses are non-credit, so they do not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA, and Pell Grant. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards may provide funding to take our courses. Additionally, you may qualify for financial assistance if you meet certain requirements. Learn more about financial assistance.

If you have questions that are not answered on our website, representatives are available via LIVE chat. You can also call us at 1-877-221-5151 during regular business hours to have your questions promptly answered. If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please send us a question using the "Contact Us."

Fiction Writer Course

Stephen F. Austin State University