Fiction Writing Course

The aims of this self-study course is to provide a comprehensive guide to the skills and techniques of writing fiction successfully, and will enable students to study a variety of styles.  The course also examines practical aspects of getting published plus the essential elements of both short stories and novels.
Student Profile
This programme is designed for anyone considering professional authoring for a variety of media including books, short stories, radio and television.
Study Method
The course is designed for study by distance learning at work or at home.  Students receive course manual, assignments and studyguide plus tutor support for a full year.
Assessment
Assessment takes the form of a series of tutor marked assignments. There is no word count for these assignments, however you do need to prove to your tutor that you have fully understood the questions asked.  
Entry Requirements
You must be over the age of 21 and should be self-motivated to follow a programme of home study.
Time Scale
The programme takes place over a timescale to suit the student.  Once registered, tutor support is available for up to one year or until completion whichever is the soonest. To complete this course it will take in the region of 90 study hours which can be spread over a 12 month period.
Location
The programme is home or work-based enabling students to complete the course without having to attend scheduled college teaching sessions.
Tutor Support
Throughout the course, students will receive tutor support by e-mail and by post.

Course outline
The course is divided up into 8 units, as follows:

Introduction

• Content


• Style


• Techniques


• Marketing

• How to study and analyse it


• Studying the market


• Overseas markets


• Writing is a business


• How do I find ideas?


• How do I present my manuscript?


• Where do I find facts?

• Choosing a theme


• The basic emotion


• First or third person?


• Get out of the way!


• Reader identification


• Setting


• Style

• Plotting


• Accuracy


• The plot scheme


• A twist in the tale


• Finding a plot


• Conflict, tension & Suspense


• Balance and pace

• Your chief character


• Names


• Can people be plots?


• Characterisation


• Motives


• Mannerisms


• Minor Characters


• Hero, Heroine, Villain or Clown


• How people operate

• How to start?


• The plot thickens


• Stuck?


• Handling Transitions


• How to end?


• Your work plan


• Rules are made to be broken

• Choosing a title


• Writing Dialogue


• Grammar, dialect and slang


• Types of short story


• The serial