Writing Fiction Series

Writing Fiction Series

If you want to learn how you can turn your idea into a published novel, the Writing Fiction Series is a great place to start. You will learn the fundamentals of character development, dramatic structure, dialogue, scene building, and the important process of revision so that you can plan, write, and edit fiction. Upon completion of this series and mastery of the tools we provide, you will be ready to submit your work for publishing.

48 Course Hrs
  • Details
  • Syllabus
  • Requirements
  • Instructor
$205.00
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Instructor-Moderated
48 Course Hrs
Study online with Instructor moderated discussion boards.
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$205.00
Instructor-Moderated

Details

How do you turn your idea for a novel into a novel? The answer may not be an exact science, but most published authors would point to the fundamentals of storytelling: character development and dramatic structure. As the basis of a good story, these two elements of fiction are further shaped by techniques like dialogue, pacing, and scene building to bring your idea to life on the page. But having all the moving pieces to a good story only equates to a first draft. To truly create publishable work, you must add complexity to your fiction and then learn the process of revision.

This course series will help you plan, write, and edit fiction. Write Fiction Like a Pro focuses on ideation and plotting. You will first learn how to plot the structure of your story and flesh out characters. As you progress to Advanced Fiction Writing, you will begin to look at dialogue, setting, action, viewpoint, and tense with a professional's eye. When your draft is close to being finished, you will then learn how to pare down and refine your manuscript.

These lessons will help you develop and sharpen your fiction writing skills. As you apply each technique, your story will take shape, with a clear path from beginning to end. By the time you finish this series, you will be ready to submit your work for publishing.

Series bundles are not eligible for partial drops or refunds. Transfers to other open sessions of the same course are available. Please refer to your school for additional details regarding drops, transfers, and refunds on Series bundles.

Syllabus

  1. Advanced Fiction Writing
    1. Story Structure
    2. Plot Templates
    3. Character Development
    4. Viewpoint, Voice, and Tense
    5. Setting
    6. Advanced Scene and Sequel
    7. Conflict, Action, and Suspense
    8. Dialogue
    9. Beginnings and Endings
    10. Symbols, Metaphors, and Writing Big
    11. Bring Your Story to Life
    12. Self-Editing, Submission, and Marketing
  2. Write Fiction Like a Pro
    1. Story Structure
    2. The Dramatic Elements
    3. Character
    4. Act 1: Hook, Backstory, and Trigger
    5. Act 2: Crisis, Struggle, and Epiphany
    6. Act 3: Plan, Climax, and Ending
    7. The Story Idea
    8. The Story Outline
    9. The Long Form
    10. Plan Like a Pro
    11. Plot Like a Pro
    12. Write Fiction Like a Pro

Requirements

Prerequisites:

There are no prerequisites to take this course.


Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

  • This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.

Software Requirements:

  • PC: Windows 8 or later.
  • Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
  • Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
  • 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.

Instructor

Steve Alcorn

Steve Alcorn is the published author of a wide range of fiction and nonfiction works. During the past decade he has helped more than 30,000 students turn their story ideas into reality, and many of his students have published novels they developed in his classes. His novels include the mystery A Matter of Justice, the historical novel Everything in Its Path, and the picture storybook Molly Builds a Theme Park. He is the author of the non-fiction books How to Fix Your Novel, Theme Park Design, and Write Your Life Story. When he isn't writing and teaching, Steve is the CEO of Alcorn McBride Inc., a leading theme park design company.

Instructor Interaction: The instructor looks forward to interacting with learners in the online moderated discussion area to share their expertise and answer any questions you may have on the course content.

Instructor-Moderated Course Code: B9570