Creative writing is a form of literature in which an individual’s creative skills are put to use in writing something that can be viewed as fiction or non-fiction, and which may be aimed at a general audience or a specific niche audience.
Traditional creative writing can look at any theme or time period and use any set of characters. It often reflects the writer’s current life experience, whether it is based on historical events, current affairs, or the individual’s own life experiences. Creative writing can explore many different topics and may even combine various elements of different genres and/or time periods to produce something unique and innovative.
However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which caused many writers to have to close their offices and work remotely, it is now more important than ever to find ways for creative writers to continue to produce work. As a result, many traditional creative writing courses have had to reinvent themselves in light of the pandemic. One such course, called Telltale Creative Writing, is a free online course available to anyone around the world. It is run by the University of Warwick in partnership with top film and TV companies including Sony, Netflix, and Channel 4. Using a combination of live teaching and on-demand video content, the course provides a comprehensive introduction to creative writing as well as the opportunity to develop and expand a personal portfolio of work.
It is an absolute must for anyone wishing to write creatively during these challenging times to take an introductory course on the subject. Without prior knowledge, it can be difficult to start writing creatively without risking failure. By taking a traditional creative writing course, you will be able to gain an understanding of what is required of you as a writer, as well as the confidence to begin writing and publishing your work without fear of committing plagiarism or violating any copyright laws.
The Module Structure Of Telltale Creative Writing
The course structure is designed to work around the Covid restrictions and remote learning requirements. It consists of a series of short modules that you can access at any time, rather than being locked into a strict schedule of weekly lectures and seminars as would be the case with a more traditional course. The courses are designed to be accessible online from anywhere, so long as you have an internet connection and a microphone to hold a virtual meeting with the tutor via ZOOM.
Each module is made up of several short units. These units either cover a specific topic in depth, or provide you with the information you need to complete a specific assignment or project. Some of the topics that you will cover include:
- The elements of story: Setting, character, dialogue, and conflict
- Research: What is research? What can I research? How can I research?
- The Writing Process: What is the writing process? Why do I need to write my assignment?
- Revision: What is revision? How can I revise?
- Editing: What is editing? How can I edit?
- Publication: What is publication? How can I publish?
- Craft: What is craft? How can I craft?
- The Role of the Creative Writing Advisor: How can I get the most from my tutor?
Additionally, at the end of each module you will have the chance to work on a specific project, either a short story or novel. You will be required to select a time period and a group of characters to base your project on. These characters and time period will be used as a springboard for your creative writing, and you will be required to develop them into something original and innovative using only your own unique voice and creativity. You will work in collaboration with your tutor, as well as a group of fellow writers and publishers, throughout the on-line project. The project will take you anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on how many drafts you need to finish.
An Introduction To Creative Writing
This introductory module will provide you with an overview of creative writing and some of the basic tools you will need to get started. It is an excellent place to familiarize yourself with the basics and terminology associated with creative writing. You will have the opportunity to explore different modes of storytelling and the various genres that can be used in creative writing. Additionally, you will get an idea of what kinds of topics and characters might interest you as a writer.
The goal of this module is to give you a basic understanding of creative writing. Some of the key things you will learn include:
- The Elements of a Creative Writing Piece
- Genres Of Creative Writing
- Various Modes Of Storytelling
- Characters And Themes From History
- Realistic Fiction
- Thriller Fiction
- Science Fiction
- Detective Fiction
- Romantic Comedy
- Historical Fiction
- Horror Fiction
- The Role of Research In Creative Writing
How To Produce A Winning Product
This module will explore the many different aspects that go into successfully producing a finished product, whether it is an eBook, a print version, or a staged reading. You will get an idea of the different types of authors that you might write, the different approaches to getting a book published, and the various platforms available to self-publish.
The goal of this module is to give you an understanding of the many elements that might be involved in the creation of a book. You will have the opportunity to explore different publishing houses and agents, as well as the different ways in which manuscripts can be pitched to editors. Additionally, you will learn about different royalty structures, publicists, and how to promote your book.
The various platforms available to self-publish have changed the way in which books get made available to the public and have provided more opportunities to those looking to write. As a result, many traditional publishers have adjusted their approach to match that of a self-publisher, providing those working in the field with the training they need to hit the ground running.
The Design Process
This module will provide you with the skills you need to become a confident, independent designer, whether you are working at home or from a remote office. It is an excellent opportunity to learn technical skills such as CAD, 3D modeling, and technical writing, as well as gain experience by working on projects and completing portfolios of work.
If you are looking to become a creative writer, you might be wondering how much of a career in writing you will need to prepare for. As a rule of thumb, any creative writing course that you take should last you at least a year. This is to ensure that you have enough material to work on during this challenging time. If you are looking to break into creative writing, your first step should be to see if there is any traditional creative writing courses available in your area, or online.