Creative Writing: an introduction to fantasy writing

A Certificate of Participation is awarded to participants who contribute constructively to weekly discussions and exercises/learning activities for the duration of the course. This tutor-led, cohort-based online course is 7-weeks in duration and is made up of 5 teaching units. Unit 1 - The history of fantasy This unit will open a discussion about what fantasy is and where it comes from, and raise questions about what counts as fantasy, what doesn't, and how far back in the history of writing it's possible to find it. Learning objectives: - To provide an understanding of the background of the genre. - To experiment with writing short-form fantasy. Unit 2 - Fantastical characters This unit will investigate how fantasy characters can differ from those in other genres, and explore what makes a good character. Learning objectives: - To provide an understanding of how to embed fantastical elements in character. - To experiment with the creation of a new character. - To provide a look at the tools needed to create a character-based fantasy plot. Unit 3 - Language and voice This unit will explore how language can be used to reflect voice and character, and to reinforce setting. Learning objectives: - To provide an understanding of different writing styles and the influence those styles have on the narrative and characters. - To experiment with at least two contrasting styles. Unit 4 - World-building This unit will examine how sense of place, world-building, and landscape affect character and plot in fantasy pieces. Learning objectives: - To provide an understanding of the interlocking nature of world-building, character, and plot. - To experiment with creating a new feature of an imaginary world. - To engage in discussion with your fellow students' work. Unit 5 - Editing This unit will explore how to refine a first draft. It will discuss the role of research in fantasy writing, whole-story editing techniques, and sentence-by-sentence editing techniques. Learning objectives: - To provide an awareness of good writing. - To provide an understanding of how to improve your own work, both in large, whole-plot strokes, and on a sentence level.