Course 01
Creative Writing
Develop storytelling craft through voice, characters, setting, plot, revision, and literary techniques.
Duration
24 weeks
Progression
3 levels
Course outline
3 progressive levels
Level 01 · Weeks 1–8
Beginner
8 weeks
Finding your voice and learning the fundamentals
01Introduction to Creative Writing
What students learn
What creative writing is; genres; finding ideas
Practice / Assignment
Write a short personal memory
02Characters
What students learn
Creating believable characters; traits, goals, feelings
Practice / Assignment
Create a character profile
03Setting & Description
What students learn
Using the five senses; creating atmosphere
Practice / Assignment
Describe a place without naming it
04Dialogue
What students learn
Natural dialogue; dialogue tags; showing personality
Practice / Assignment
Write a short conversation
05Plot & Story Structure
What students learn
Beginning, conflict, climax, ending
Practice / Assignment
Create a simple story outline
06Point of View
What students learn
First, second, and third person
Practice / Assignment
Rewrite one scene from two viewpoints
07Writing a Short Story
What students learn
Combining character, setting, dialogue and plot
Practice / Assignment
Draft a 500–800 word story
08Editing & Storytelling
What students learn
Basic editing; reading aloud; giving/receiving feedback
Practice / Assignment
Finalize and present the story
Level 02 · Weeks 9–16
Intermediate
8 weeks
Developing stronger storytelling techniques and style
09Finding Your Writing Voice
What students learn
Voice, tone, style and originality
Practice / Assignment
Write the same scene in two different tones
10Complex Characters
What students learn
Character motivation, conflict and development
Practice / Assignment
Create a character with an internal and external conflict
11World & Atmosphere
What students learn
Detailed settings, symbolism and mood
Practice / Assignment
Build a setting that reflects a character’s emotions
12Dialogue & Subtext
What students learn
Conflict in dialogue; what characters say vs. mean
Practice / Assignment
Write a scene where characters avoid saying what they really mean
13Plot Development
What students learn
Rising action, tension, climax and resolution
Practice / Assignment
Develop a complete plot
14Point of View & Time
What students learn
Multiple perspectives, flashbacks and pacing
Practice / Assignment
Rewrite a scene using a different POV
15Drafting & Revision
What students learn
Structure, consistency, showing vs. telling
Practice / Assignment
Write and revise a 1,000–1,500 word story
16Workshop & Presentation
What students learn
Peer review, editing and public reading
Practice / Assignment
Present the final story and receive feedback
Level 03 · Weeks 17–24
Advanced
8 weeks
Craft, originality, literary techniques and publication-ready writing
17Advanced Voice & Style
What students learn
Developing a distinctive literary voice
Practice / Assignment
Style experiment using different authors/genres as inspiration
18Character Psychology
What students learn
Complex motivations, contradictions and character arcs
Practice / Assignment
Create a detailed character arc
19Literary World-Building
What students learn
Symbolism, cultural context, atmosphere and layered settings
Practice / Assignment
Develop a culturally meaningful setting
20Subtext & Narrative Techniques
What students learn
Subtext, unreliable narrators, symbolism and irony
Practice / Assignment
Write a scene with hidden meaning
21Advanced Plot & Structure
What students learn
Nonlinear narratives, parallel stories and controlled pacing
Practice / Assignment
Design an advanced story structure
22Theme & Social/Cultural Storytelling
What students learn
Developing themes without becoming overly didactic
Practice / Assignment
Write a story around a social or cultural theme
23Intensive Revision
What students learn
Line editing, structure, consistency, imagery and style
Practice / Assignment
Produce a revised 2,000–3,000 word piece
24Literary Workshop & Publication
What students learn
Professional feedback, final editing and preparing work for publication
Practice / Assignment
Final reading + portfolio submission