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 find out the different forms of fiction writing and some of the genres you might like to explore. Whether you’ve never written a word of fiction, or haven’t written since high school or college, you will complete the course with the skills you need to get started. Create a new work of fiction, or revive an old one that’s been sitting in your bottom drawer. Courses are online and asynchronous, meaning students may login to the classroom anytime during the course session, day or night, 24/7. For more information, go to our Online Professional Development Certificates & Courses FAQ Class details: 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

You’ve written the story — now how does it become a book? This engaging class walks you step-by-step through the storyboarding process for children’s picture books. We’ll cover ideal word counts, page planning, pacing through page turns, and how to think visually about illustration opportunities. You’ll also practice creating a simple booklet to see your story come to life. Great for aspiring and emerging picture book authors.

Curious about making your own wine? This introductory class explains the complete process: including equipment, fermentation stages, hydrometers, yeast selection, racking, clearing, aging, troubleshooting, and bottling. Real equipment will be demonstrated, both wine kits and fresh-fruit methods will be discussed, and home production laws will be reviewed. No experience necessary. **No wine will be consumed in this class**

You want to write a children’s book and don’t know where to start? By taking this course, you’ll learn how to target your audience, write relatable characters, and gain knowledge on story organization. You’ll also understand how you can do this in your spare time and on a limited budget. As we go through the guidelines to master your own children’s book, you’ll leave this course with a solid start on your own original story, and advice on pitfalls to avoid. Topics of illustrations, copyrighting, and publishing are also covered. Don’t wait for “some day” to publish your own book.

Break through writer’s block, inertia, fear and self-sabotage with this affirming five-week class full of exercises and tools to help you find your own unique creative process. We’ll spend much of the class time actively writing and sharing our work; feel free to come in with a project you’re working on, or with a blank slate! Taught by writer/actor/storyteller Amy Salloway.