Writing   

Spark your creativity and start writing with this online writing course bundle. You will learn the mechanics of writing and editing, and have your story workshopped by peers.

Spark your creativity and start writing with this online writing course bundle. You will learn the mechanics of writing and editing, and have your story work-shopped by peers.

Creative writing is more than just having a good idea for a story. To be a writer, you must know the mechanics of writing, have strong editing skills, and be able to give and receive constructive feedback in a writer's workshop. If you have an idea for a story, these online writing courses will help you create a publishable piece of fiction or nonfiction.

Beginning Writer's Workshop

Learn how to bring your creative writing piece to life. Like a true writing workshop, you will learn literary techniques, peer review a classmate's work, and receive constructive criticism on your work.

Writing Essentials

Learn the fundamentals of strong writing. Writing Essentials focuses on composition, grammar, and structure, so you can create clear and effective paragraphs.

The Keys to Effective Editing

Become your own editor. You will learn how shape a rough draft into a final draft with professional editing techniques.

Suite 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 Suite bundles.

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.

To be a good creative writer, you must have more than just an idea. This Creative Writing Value Suite will give you the tools you need to fully develop your work and create a publishable piece. You will learn important mechanics of writing, develop strong editing skills, and how to give and receive constructive feedback from other writers.

1. Beginning Writer's Workshop
   1. Preparing to Write
   2. Brainstorming
   3. Literary Devices
   4. Genres
   5. Peer Review/Workshop
   6. Story, Plot, and Narrative
   7. Characters and Dialogue
   8. Points of View and Tense
   9. Descriptive Writing
   10. Overcoming Writer's Block
   11. Editing vs. Revision
   12. Getting Published
2. The Keys to Effective Editing
   1. What Editors Do
   2. The Mechanics of Copyediting
   3. Tools to Increase Accuracy
   4. Grammar and Punctuation
   5. Spelling, Capitalization, and Numbers
   6. Syntax and Style
   7. Abbreviations and Hyphens, Bibliographies and Copyright Law
   8. Photos and Tables, Front and Back Matter
   9. Fiction Editing
   10. The Editor-Author-Publisher Relationship
   11. Word Usage
   12. Finding Work as an Editor
3. Writing Essentials
   1. Writing: Your Dynamic New Tool
   2. Words: Picking the Right One
   3. Spelling: Tips and Practice
   4. Usage: Which Word Goes Where
   5. Sentences: Writing Them Effectively
   6. Ending Punctuation: When, Where, and Why
   7. Commas: Mastery at Last!
   8. Semicolons, Colons, and All the Rest: A Quick Review
   9. Paragraphs: How They Help You Communicate
   10. Formatting: Tools and Tips to Help Your Content Shine
   11. Writing for Electronic Media: Quirks and Characteristics
   12. Putting It All Together: Writing Well!

Ann Linquist

Ann Linquist is a continuing education instructor on college campuses, at corporations, and with non-profit organizations. She has helped thousands of adults learn to tackle their writing tasks with enthusiasm. Having written everything from novels to newsletters, articles to ad copy, Linquist is able to address the writing needs of each individual. The breadth of her background ensures a powerful, involving learning experience that builds on the strengths of each participant.

Jacquelyn Landis

Jacquelyn Landis has worked as a nonfiction editor for more than 15 years. Her editing repertoire includes books, articles, and business manuals written by authors such as Eva Shaw, George Carpozi, Anthony Robbins, and Tom Blair. She has been a speaker in the UCSD Extension program and has participated in writing panels at the University of San Diego. Landis is also the author of numerous published books and magazine articles. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from San Diego State University.

Carmen Marquez

Carmen Marquez is a seasoned journalist, writer, and writing instructor. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Rutgers University and teaching certificate from Montclair State University.

Learn how to write different fiction genres in this comprehensive course bundle. Explore Fiction Writing covers fantasy, romance, mystery, and screenwriting to teach you the craft and technique used by success writers. By the time you finish, you will be ready to write, edit, and submit your work for publication.

Fiction spans several genres and touches millions of readers. Some of the most enduring works of fiction have come from genres like fantasy, romance, and mystery. Today, many genre pieces have gone on to become multimedia franchises. If you want to become a writer, there's no better time to learn genre fiction and screenwriting.

Explore Fiction Writing will teach you how to write works of fantasy, romance, and mystery. You will also learn screenwriting, since film as a medium can further expand your story ideas. You will learn how characterization, plotting, narrative, and other techniques of fiction translate to genre writing. Then, through targeted writing assignments, you will put what you learn into practice. Whether you're a new or experienced writer, this course bundle will help you broaden your skills and understand what makes readers engage with your work.

Writing the first draft is only the first step though. You will also learn how to revise and proofread like an editor. As you craft your work from first to final draft, you will also learn what happens after "The End." Marketing your work and submitting for publication is an important part of a writer's work, and you will learn how to navigate this process. With the tools you will gain in this course, you will be ready to write, edit, and submit your story, novel, or screenplay.

Suite 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 Suite bundles.

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.

Learn how to write different fiction genres in this comprehensive course bundle. Explore Fiction Writing covers fantasy, romance, mystery, and screenwriting to teach you the craft and technique used by success writers. By the time you finish, you will be ready to write, edit, and submit your work for publication.

1. Introduction to Screenwriting
   1. Why Write a Script Now?
   2. What Is a Story?
   3. Conflict
   4. Creating Characters
   5. Screenplay Structure
   6. Beginnings
   7. Middles
   8. The End
   9. The Scene
   10. Dialogue or No Dialogue
   11. The Rewrite
   12. Your Script and You
2. Mystery Writing
   1. The Four Story Types
   2. Plot vs. Story
   3. Passion, Theme, Character, and Premise
   4. Character
   5. The Checkpoints of Mystery Story Structuring
   6. Act 1: Hook, Backstory, and Trigger
   7. Act 2: Crisis, Struggle, and Epiphany
   8. Act 3: Plan, Climax, and Ending
   9. The Story Outline
   10. Scene and Sequel
   11. Viewpoint
   12. The Mystery
3. Romance Writing
   1. What Is a Romance Novel?
   2. The Elements of Romance
   3. Characters: The Heartbeat of Romance
   4. Getting to Know Your Characters
   5. Goal, Motivation, and Conflict
   6. The Basics of Plot
   7. Plotting 2.0
   8. Scene and Sequel
   9. Emotional Appeal
   10. Fiction Writing Craft I
   11. Fiction Writing Craft II
   12. After "The End"
4. Writing the Fantasy Novel
   1. What Is Fantasy Fiction?
   2. World-Building, Part One: Exploring the World
   3. World-Building, Part Two: Magic
   4. World-Building, Part Three: Societies
   5. Creating Characters
   6. Plotting Your Novel
   7. Theme
   8. The Narrative Voice
   9. The Writing Process
   10. The Postwriting Process
   11. Publishing Your Novel
   12. Marketing and Motivating

Laura K. Anderson

Laura K. Anderson picked up her first science fiction book when she was in first grade and she's been in love with speculative fiction ever since. She particularly enjoys writing fantasy fiction and is the editorial director for Sojourn: An Anthology of Speculative Fiction. Laura has a Master of Arts degree in literature and creative writing and is currently working on a Master of Arts in special education.

Priscilla Oliveras

Priscilla Oliveras has a Master of Fine Arts in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University. Her debut novel, His Perfect Partner, is an October 2017 release with Kensington Zebra Shout. A long-time active member of Romance Writers of America, she currently serves as the PRO Liaison on the national board. She's a four-time Golden Heart finalist who has won multiple contests and writes contemporary romance novels with a Latino flavor. Priscilla has lectured on college campuses, presented for local writers groups, penned multiple articles on her craft, and completed five romance novels. Sharing her love of the written word and the information she's gleaned over the course of her writing career is one of her greatest passions.

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.

William Rabkin

William Rabkin is a veteran writer/producer whose 300-plus hours of produced television include Monk, Psych, and The Glades. He has served as "showrunner" on Diagnosis Murder, Martial Law, and She-Wolf of London, and has written a dozen network pilots. He is the co-creator and co-editor of Amazon Publishing's bestselling Dead Man series of action horror novels, and has also published five additional novels and two books on writing, Successful Television Writing (2003, with Lee Goldberg) and Writing the Pilot (2011). As a teacher, he has lectured and led workshops for writers, producers, and executives in Spain, Sweden, Belgium, and the Netherlands, and led traditional classes at UCLA Extension and Stephens College. He is currently an adjunct professor of screenwriting in the University of California, Riverside-Palm Desert's low-residency MFA program.

This suite of courses explores non-fiction writing. You will learn how to write, edit, and publish non-fiction across popular genres and mediums. You will also learn best practices for pitching and submitting your work in today's publishing landscape.

The phrase 'stranger-than-fiction' exists for a reason. Some of the most fascinating stories are completely true, and there's a huge audience ready to read them. In fact, non-fiction book sales grew by over $6 billion from 2013-2018 with no sign of slowing down.

The Explore Non-Fiction Writing Suite covers the best ways to tell a non-fiction story: as a book, a memoir, as a magazine article, or in a travel piece.

If you dream of becoming a full-time author or just have a story to tell, Write and Publish Your Nonfiction Book will teach you how to plan, research, write, edit, and publish your masterpiece. After learning what goes into the general non-fiction book, you will learn about the art of memoir. What you produce in Write Your Life Story may find a lucrative market, just like the bestselling Rocket Boys and Angela's Ashes.

While magazines have mostly gone digital, the non-fiction essay is still a page turner. The Craft of Magazine Writing focuses on time-tested techniques for researching, writing, and pitching your work to magazines. Another highly engaging way to tell a true story is the 'travel piece.' Travel Writing will teach you how to translate what you experience in your travels into publishable articles and books.

Note: Suite 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 Suite bundles.

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.

Some of the most fascinating stories in the world are true stories, and non-fiction book sales are growing. Discover the best ways to tell a non-fiction story—whether as a book, a memoir, a magazine article, or in a travel piece—in the Explore Non-Fiction Writing Suite. Learn how to plan, research, write, edit, pitch, and publish your work.

1. Write and Publish Your Nonfiction Book
   1. Introduction to Nonfiction: Choosing Your Topic
   2. Shaping Your Book Idea
   3. Your Audience, Title, and Style
   4. Research, Interviewing, and Immersion
   5. Organization and Structure
   6. Nonfiction Writing Tips and Techniques
   7. The Writer's Life: Practical Tips
   8. Editing and Proofreading
   9. Traditional Publishing: Agents, Publishers, and Submissions
   10. Traditional Publishing: Query Letters, Proposals, and Shortcuts
   11. Nontraditional Publishing
   12. Distribution, Publicity, and Promotions
2. Write Your Life Story
   1. What's Your Story
   2. It's About You
   3. Finding Your Story
   4. Your Cast of Characters
   5. Starting at the Beginning
   6. Quick Ways to Jog Memories
   7. Getting Serious About Writing
   8. Historically Speaking
   9. The Interview
   10. Viewing your Life and giving It to the Reader
   11. Getting it down on Paper (or Computer)
   12. Publishing Options and Extras
3. Travel Writing
   1. Overview of the Travel Market
   2. Keeping a Travel Writer's Journal
   3. Writing Travel Articles
   4. Writing Travel Books
   5. Making Plans for Travel
   6. Writing Techniques
   7. Outline Methods That Work Every Time
   8. Working Like a Travel Writer
   9. Submitting Like a Pro
   10. Research and Online Techniques
   11. Photos and Travel Writing
   12. Recycling Your Material
4. The Craft of Magazine Writing
   1. Getting Started; Finding Ideas
   2. Getting Started; Finding Ideas (Continued)
   3. Getting to Know Your Market Guidebook
   4. Getting to Know Your Market Guidebook (Continued)
   5. Producing Articles; Using Email
   6. Producing Articles; Using Email (Continued)
   7. Writing Clearly; Knowing Your Reader
   8. Writing Clearly; Knowing Your Reader (Continued)
   9. Employing Sound Research Techniques
   10. Employing Sound Research Techniques (Continued)
   11. Marketing Your Articles with Spin-Offs and Revisions; Seasonal and Theme Articles
   12. Marketing Your Articles with Spin-Offs and Revisions; Seasonal and Theme Articles (Continued)

Eva Shaw

Eva Shaw, Ph.D. is a full-time working writer. She has authored thousands of articles, essays, and short stories and more than 70 books including "Writing the Nonfiction Book" and "Insider's Guide to San Diego." Her work has been featured in USA Today, San Diego Union Tribune, Publisher's Weekly, and others. She has won several awards, including the Book of the Year Award from the American Journal of Nursing, the Benjamin Franklin Award, and the Woman of Merit Award.

Lisa Adams

Lisa Adams is a web development expert specializing in marketing, user experience, and e-commerce. In addition to building and maintaining hundreds of websites, Lisa has helped a wide variety of clients and students to create their own sites and modify existing ones to make them more attractive and user-friendly.

These online courses will help you gain confidence in your ability to produce clean, grammatically correct work.

Grammar Refresher

The key to effective writing and speaking is English grammar. Whether you are just now learning the basics of grammar or if you need a refresher, this course will help you develop the foundational skills you need. In this course, you'll explore the eight parts of speech, punctuation and mechanics, foundational sentence construction, and we'll even get into the details of phrases, clauses, problem words, common grammar mistakes, and much more! An instructor will guide you every step of the way as you learn grammar through hands-on, practical exercises. You'll also learn through short videos, examples, and even fun games. Take your writing and speaking to the next level of excellence!

Grammar Refresher II

Take your grammar and writing skills to the next level! In this course, you'll review the foundational elements of grammar, including the parts of speech, and master the basics of punctuation and mechanics.

Next, you'll explore sentence structure, nouns and pronouns, and you'll work with the different kinds of verb tenses. You'll also explore adjective and adverb use and be introduced to some "best practices" for using these parts of speech effectively in your writing.

Then, you'll take a look at phrases and clauses, as well as parallelism, coordination, and subordination. You'll see how different phrases and clauses fit together in sentences so that your writing is clear, concise, and meaningful.

Finally, you'll put your skills to work as you explore some different kinds of business writing, paragraph writing, and even formal essay writing. By the time you're done with the course, you'll not only have the advanced grammar skills you need, you'll also understand how to use those skills in practical ways.

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.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

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

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 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.
• 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.

Note: This course teaches American English grammar. If you're an ESL student who isn't yet fluent in written and spoken English, please consider enrolling in Grammar for ESL Students with Sabri Bebawi.

Strong English grammar skills are the key to effective writing and speaking. This series will provide you with the foundational skills you need, including sentence structures, parts of speech, common grammar mistakes, punctuation, verb tenses, and more. You'll learn through hands-on practice exercises before putting it all together to explore various types of writing. By the end of this series, you will not only understand proper English grammar, but you will also understand how to use the skills you've gained in practical ways.

1. Grammar Refresher
   1. Using Nouns, Pronouns, and Adjectives
   2. Using Verbs and Adverbs
   3. Using Prepositions, Conjunctions, and Interjections
   4. Capitalization and Punctuation
   5. Commas
   6. Sentences
   7. Plural and Possessive Words
   8. Difficult and Confusing Words
   9. Phrases
   10. Agreement
   11. Common Sentence Problems
   12. Becoming a Better Writer
2. Grammar Refresher II
   1. Grammar Foundations
   2. Effectively Using Punctuation and Mechanics
   3. Sentence Structure
   4. Using Nouns and Pronouns
   5. Verb Forms and Verb Tense
   6. Using Adjectives and Adverbs
   7. Using Clauses and Phrases
   8. Coordination, Subordination, and Parallelism
   9. Communicating Clearly in the Workplace
   10. Writing Paragraphs
   11. Organizing Paragraphs
   12. Effective Editing

Curt Simmons

Curt Simmons, B.A., M.Ed, is a best-selling author, trainer, and multimedia expert. He holds degrees in English and communication studies and has more than 10 years of experience teaching English and writing in the classroom. Additionally, Simmons has authored numerous books on a wide variety of technology topics and has been a technical editor for numerous other titles.

Learn the fundamentals of technical writing. Key topics include formatting, publishing and writing techniques.

This suite of online courses will teach you the fundamentals of technical writing. You'll learn best practices for turning complex information into simple content that's easily accessible and sharable to the everyday reader.

Introduction to Microsoft Word 2019/Office 365

This course will introduce you to the 2019 version of Microsoft Word, available through the Office 365 online platform. You will learn the basics of Word 2019 needed to write and edit text and to create, format, and organize documents.

Intermediate Microsoft Word 2019/Office 365

Take your Microsoft Word 2019 skills to the next level. You'll learn how to use a number of shortcuts and time-saving techniques to create complex documents.

Fundamentals of Technical Writing

This course will teach you the fundamental writing techniques used by technical writers. You will learn how to translate complex, technical writing conventions, interviewing skills, desktop publishing, formatting techniques and documentation management.

Suite 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 Suite bundles.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course must be taken on a PC. Macs are not compatible.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 10 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge is also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.
• Microsoft Word (desktop version) Available to download with a subscription to Microsoft 365, or with Microsoft Office Home and Student 2019 (not included in enrollment).
• Note: The "Starter Version" and "Web App" versions of Microsoft Word will not work with the full version of the software taught in this course.

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.

This suite of online courses will teach you the fundamentals of technical writing. You'll learn best practices for turning complex information into simple content that's easily accessible and sharable to the everyday reader.

Introduction to Microsoft Word 2019/Office 365

1. Getting Started
2. Typing and Navigation
3. File Management
4. Editing Text
5. Working With Multiple Documents
6. Text Formatting and Alignment
7. Printing
8. Margins, Tabs, and Page Numbering
9. Paragraph Formatting
10. Language Tools
11. Customizing Word
12. Making a Word Document Pretty and Organized

Intermediate Microsoft Word 2019/Office 365

1. Timesavers in Word 2019
2. Methods to Streamline Text Formatting
3. Working with Templates
4. Adding Graphics to Your Word Documents
5. Creating Text-Based Graphics in Word
6. Organizing Your Text with Columns and Sections
7. Creating Tables in Word
8. Creating Stationary in Word
9. Creating Business Stationary in Word
10. Desktop Publishing
11. Merging Data with Documents
12. Creating Summative Lists of What's in Your Document

Fundamentals of Technical Writing

1. Technical Writing Overview
2. Preparing to Write
3. Gathering Information
4. Writing Skills
5. Tech Writing Conventions
6. Graphics
7. Document Formatting
8. Microsoft Word's Paragraph Styles
9. Document Templates
10. Creating Indexes
11. Editing and Proofreading
12. Publishing Your Document

Wallace Wang

Wallace Wang is the author of over 40 computer books including "Microsoft Office 2019 For Dummies". In addition to writing computer books, he has also co-authored "Breaking Into Acting for Dummies" and ghost written several books about investing in real estate, day trading stocks, and becoming an entrepreneur. Some of his past jobs have included teaching computer science courses at the University of Zimbabwe, performing stand-up comedy, and appearing on a weekly radio show.

Lynn Atkinson

Lynn Atkinson earned a B.A. in English from the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) in 1993 and an M.A. in English with an emphasis in rhetoric in 1996. A published writer and editor, including contributions to college textbooks, she considers her greatest accomplishment educating thousands of students at UTA, DeVry, Tarrant County College, Southeast Career Institute, and Everest College. She has also been nominated for and awarded "Outstanding Teacher" at several of these institutions. Lynn has developed or co-developed several writing curriculums, won writing contests, and conducted over 10,000 hours of tutoring.

Brush up on your grammar, writing, and editing skills with this discounted bundle of online courses!

Grammar Refresher

The key to effective writing and speaking is English grammar. Whether you are just now learning the basics of grammar or if you need a refresher, this course will help you develop the foundational skills you need. In this course, you'll explore the eight parts of speech, punctuation and mechanics, foundational sentence construction, and we'll even get into the details of phrases, clauses, problem words, common grammar mistakes, and much more! An instructor will guide you every step of the way as you learn grammar through hands-on, practical exercises. You'll also learn through short videos, examples, and even fun games. Take your writing and speaking to the next level of excellence!

Writing Essentials

Master the essentials of writing, and become the stellar wordsmith you always wanted to be! In this course, you'll develop the skills you need to excel at business communications, express yourself clearly online, and take your creative literary talents to a new level. Whether you're hoping to get a better job, write for a blog, or publish your short story, this course will give you the writing tools you need for success.

Effective Business Writing

Do you have a nagging suspicion that a small improvement in your writing skills might also improve your career prospects? Don't let small gaps in your business writing skills prevent you from reaching your full potential. It doesn't matter whether you're a clerical worker, an engineer, or an executive. If you communicate with others in writing, you need this course to help you identify and eliminate problem areas. By the end of this course, you'll know the secret to developing powerful written documents that immediately draw readers in and keep them motivated to continue until your very last, well-chosen word.

Suite 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 Suite bundles.

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 is 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.

Grammar Refresher

Note: This course teaches American English grammar. If you're an ESL student who isn't yet fluent in written and spoken English, please consider enrolling in Grammar for ESL Students with Sabri Bebawi.

To be successful in nearly any profession and even in your personal life, you must have the fundamental skills to communicate in writing. This series is designed to give you the tools you need. You will begin with a grammar refresher, then develop skills to ensure you express yourself clearly in your writing before developing effective written business documents. Whether you're hoping to improve your job prospects, express yourself in a blog, or even publish your writing, this course will help you gain the essential skills through interactive activities and hands-on exercises.

Ann Linquist

Ann Linquist is a continuing education instructor on college campuses, at corporations, and with non-profit organizations. She has helped thousands of adults learn to tackle their writing tasks with enthusiasm. Having written everything from novels to newsletters, articles to ad copy, Linquist is able to address the writing needs of each individual. The breadth of her background ensures a powerful, involving learning experience that builds on the strengths of each participant.

This course series will teach you the craft of fiction with lessons developed by a published author. You will learn the fundamentals of storytelling that bring your ideas to fruition, and how to edit and polish your work like a professional writer.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.