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Course Description

Vivid characters and immersive worlds are key to captivating storytelling. In this course, you will develop compelling characters and rich story settings through hands-on writing exercises and targeted techniques. You’ll craft detailed character biographies, explore the interplay between setting and personality, and build cohesive story worlds with their own internal logic and "dark matter." Through focused exercises in both poetry and prose, you’ll create rich narrative environments that authentically reflect and shape your characters' experiences.

The following course is required to be completed before taking this course:

  • Developing the Story and Idea

Faculty Author

Aoise Stratford

Benefits to the Learner

  • Identify the principles of strong characters and what makes a compelling character
  • Transform settings from simple backdrops into dynamic elements that drive story and reveal character
  • Develop cohesion and relationships between the characters and the world of the story
  • Apply specific techniques to track character development through environmental changes and spatial relationships

Target Audience

  • Aspiring writers (fiction, playwriting, screenwriting, memoirs)
  • Journalists
  • Content writers
  • Actors
  • Teachers
  • Publishing and editing professionals
  • Individuals looking to adapt or develop stories to a new medium
  • Anyone with an interest in narrative storytelling

Applies Towards the Following Certificates

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Enroll Now - Select a section to enroll in
Type
2 week
Dates
Jul 23, 2025 to Aug 05, 2025
Total Number of Hours
16.0
Course Fee(s)
Contract Fee $100.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

  • Please note that the content in our Creative Writing  course curriculum was developed to be completed in the order below as course concepts build throughout the program. With this in mind, please be sure you are scheduled to complete or have completed CAS571 first. Please be sure you are scheduled to complete or have completed CAS572 and 573 prior to CAS574, CAS575, and CAS576. After completing these prerequisites, CAS574, CAS575, and CAS576 may be taken in any order.
Type
2 week
Dates
Sep 17, 2025 to Sep 30, 2025
Total Number of Hours
16.0
Course Fee(s)
Contract Fee $100.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

  • Please note that the content in our Creative Writing  course curriculum was developed to be completed in the order below as course concepts build throughout the program. With this in mind, please be sure you are scheduled to complete or have completed CAS571 first. Please be sure you are scheduled to complete or have completed CAS572 and 573 prior to CAS574, CAS575, and CAS576. After completing these prerequisites, CAS574, CAS575, and CAS576 may be taken in any order.
Type
2 week
Dates
Nov 12, 2025 to Nov 25, 2025
Total Number of Hours
16.0
Course Fee(s)
Contract Fee $100.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

  • Please note that the content in our Creative Writing  course curriculum was developed to be completed in the order below as course concepts build throughout the program. With this in mind, please be sure you are scheduled to complete or have completed CAS571 first. Please be sure you are scheduled to complete or have completed CAS572 and 573 prior to CAS574, CAS575, and CAS576. After completing these prerequisites, CAS574, CAS575, and CAS576 may be taken in any order.
Type
2 week
Dates
Jan 07, 2026 to Jan 20, 2026
Total Number of Hours
16.0
Course Fee(s)
Contract Fee $100.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

  • Please note that the content in our Creative Writing  course curriculum was developed to be completed in the order below as course concepts build throughout the program. With this in mind, please be sure you are scheduled to complete or have completed CAS571 first. Please be sure you are scheduled to complete or have completed CAS572 and 573 prior to CAS574, CAS575, and CAS576. After completing these prerequisites, CAS574, CAS575, and CAS576 may be taken in any order.
Type
2 week
Dates
Mar 04, 2026 to Mar 17, 2026
Total Number of Hours
16.0
Course Fee(s)
Contract Fee $100.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

  • Please note that the content in our Creative Writing  course curriculum was developed to be completed in the order below as course concepts build throughout the program. With this in mind, please be sure you are scheduled to complete or have completed CAS571 first. Please be sure you are scheduled to complete or have completed CAS572 and 573 prior to CAS574, CAS575, and CAS576. After completing these prerequisites, CAS574, CAS575, and CAS576 may be taken in any order.
Type
2 week
Dates
Apr 29, 2026 to May 12, 2026
Total Number of Hours
16.0
Course Fee(s)
Contract Fee $100.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

  • Please note that the content in our Creative Writing  course curriculum was developed to be completed in the order below as course concepts build throughout the program. With this in mind, please be sure you are scheduled to complete or have completed CAS571 first. Please be sure you are scheduled to complete or have completed CAS572 and 573 prior to CAS574, CAS575, and CAS576. After completing these prerequisites, CAS574, CAS575, and CAS576 may be taken in any order.
Type
2 week
Dates
Jun 24, 2026 to Jul 07, 2026
Total Number of Hours
16.0
Course Fee(s)
Contract Fee $100.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

  • Please note that the content in our Creative Writing  course curriculum was developed to be completed in the order below as course concepts build throughout the program. With this in mind, please be sure you are scheduled to complete or have completed CAS571 first. Please be sure you are scheduled to complete or have completed CAS572 and 573 prior to CAS574, CAS575, and CAS576. After completing these prerequisites, CAS574, CAS575, and CAS576 may be taken in any order.
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