There are many definitions of what a creative writing course is depending on what the course is aiming to teach you. Some courses will include details on how you can become a freelance writer earning money for your work, either full or part-time. Other courses will concentrate on improving your writing with no regard to whether the writing is to be considered for publication or not. Most creative writing courses will include advice on how to write fiction, non-fiction, and poetry.
So, when you are choosing a creative writing course you should first find out what the aim of the course is.
All creative writing courses should cover the fundamentals of writing such as:
· deciding where and when to write
· how to start your writing
· writer’s block and how to overcome it
· developing your imagination
· the benefits of reading widely
· how to develop your powers of observation
· personal qualities such as perseverance, determination, self-organization, resilience, and confidence
· getting the basics right
· Rules to develop a good style and avoiding common mistakes.
Most courses that are aimed at simply helping you develop your writing skills for pleasure only may stop at that. If you need a course that will help you become a published writer it should also contain advice on the following:
· developing your writer's craft – finding original titles, writing opening paragraphs that catch the editors attention, planning the main body, checking facts, revision of work and carrying out research
· techniques for selling your writing – including where and how to find markets and analysis of the markets
· presenting your work – including layout, cover sheets, submitting your work electronically and query letters to editors
· legal considerations – including libel, copyright, plagiarism
· Considering whether you need an agent and how to get one.
