ONCE1121 - Introduction to Fiction Writing
Course Description
Designed specifically for those with little to no fiction writing experience, find your pathway towards your fiction writing goals. Learn the basic building blocks of story: character, plot and setting. Then discover the different forms of fiction writing and some of the genres you might like to explore. Create a new work of fiction, or revive an old one that’s been sitting in your bottom drawer.Course Outline
Unit 1
The building blocks of story
- Character
- Conflict
- Setting
- Plot and story structure
- Short story versus novel
- Who are we writing for?
Unit 2
Character and Conflict
- Protagonists and antagonists
- Secondary characters
- Character archetypes
- Character desires, conflicts and stakes
- Dialogue
Unit 3
Setting and Plot
- Contemporary versus fantastical and historical settings
- Setting as character
- Three act plot structure and the hero’s journey
- Time jumps and flashbacks
- Prologues and epilogues
Unit 4
Putting it all together
- Strategies for outlining
- Character-driven versus plot-driven outlines
- Overcoming writer’s block
- Researching markets
- Creating a marketing plan
Notes
Introduction to Fiction Writing is a self-paced ONLINE Non-Credit Course, offered in partnership with LERN/UGotClass
Instructor: Jacqui Lipton
Jacqui Lipton specializes in teaching fiction writing and the business of writing to local and national audiences. She holds an M.F.A. in Fiction Writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts and has taught fiction in libraries and community organizations.